Charged lipoprotein complexes and their uses

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides charged lipoprotein complexes that include as one component a negatively charged phospholipid that is expected to impart the complexes with improved therapeutic properties.

1. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.provisional application No. 60/665,180, filed Mar. 24, 2005, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

2. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure provides charged lipoprotein complexes,pharmaceutical compositions comprising the complexes and methods ofusing the complexes to treat or prevent a variety of conditions anddisorders, including dyslipidemia and/or diseases, disorders and/orconditions associated therewith.

3. BACKGROUND

Circulating cholesterol is carried by plasma lipoproteins—complexparticles of lipid and protein composition that transport lipids in theblood. Four major classes of lipoprotein particles circulate in plasmaand are involved in the fat-transport system: chylomicrons, very lowdensity lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and highdensity lipoprotein (HDL). Chylomicrons constitute a short-lived productof intestinal fat absorption. VLDL and particularly, LDL, areresponsible for the delivery of cholesterol from the liver (where it issynthesized or obtained from dietary sources) to extrahepatic tissues,including the arterial walls. HDL, by contrast, mediates reversecholesterol transport (RCT), the removal of cholesterol lipids, inparticular from extrahepatic tissues to the liver, where it is stored,catabolized, eliminated or recycled. HDL also plays a role ininflammation, transporting oxidized lipids and interleukin.

Lipoprotein particles have a hydrophobic core comprised of cholesterol(normally in the form of a cholesteryl ester) and triglycerides. Thecore is surrounded by a surface coat comprising phospholipids,unesterified cholesterol and apolipoproteins. Apolipoproteins mediatelipid transport, and some may interact with enzymes involved in lipidmetabolism. At least ten apolipoproteins have been identified,including: ApoA-I, ApoA-II, ApoA-IV, ApoA-V, ApoB, ApoC-I, ApoC-II,ApoC-III, ApoD, ApoE, ApoJ and ApoH. Other proteins such as LCAT(lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase), CETP (cholesteryl ester transferprotein), PLTP (phospholipid transfer protein) and PON (paraoxonase) arealso found associated with lipoproteins.

Cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, coronary arterydisease and atherosclerosis are linked overwhelmingly to elevated serumcholesterol levels. For example, atherosclerosis is a slowly progressivedisease characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol within thearterial wall. Compelling evidence supports the theory that lipidsdeposited in atherosclerotic lesions are derived primarily from plasmaLDLs; thus, LDLs have popularly become known as “bad” cholesterol. Incontrast, HDL serum levels correlate inversely with coronary heartdisease. Indeed, high serum levels of HDLs are regarded as a negativerisk factor. It is hypothesized that high levels of plasma HDLs are notonly protective against coronary artery disease, but may actually induceregression of atherosclerotic plaque (see, e.g., Badimon et al., 1992,Circulation 86(Suppl. III):86-94; Dansky and Fisher, 1999, Circulation100:1762-63; Tangirala et al., 1999, Circulation 100(17):1816-22; Fan etal., 1999, Atherosclerosis 147(1):139-45; Deckert et al., 1999,Circulation 100(11):1230-35; Boisvert et al., 1999, Arterioscler.Thromb. Vasc. Biol.19(3):525-30; Benoit et al., 1999, Circulation99(1):105-10; Holvoet et al., 1998, J. Clin. Invest. 102(2):379-85;Duverger et al., 1996, Circulation 94(4):713-17; Miyazaki et al., 1995,Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 15(11):1882-88; Mezdour et al., 1995,Atherosclerosis 113(2):237-46; Liu et al., 1994, J. Lipid Res.35(12):2263-67; Plump et al., 1994, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA91(20):9607-11; Paszty et al., 1994, J. Clin. Invest. 94(2):899-903; Sheet al, 1992, Chin. Med. J. (Engl). 105(5):369-73; Rubin et al., 1991,Nature 353(6341):265-67; She et al., 1990, Ann. NY Acad. Sci.598:339-51; Ran, 1989, Chung Hua Ping Li Hsuch Tsa Chih (also translatedas: Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi) 18(4):257-61; Quezado et al., 1995, J.Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 272(2):604-11; Duverger et al., 1996,Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 16(12):1424-29; Kopfler et al., 1994,Circulation; 90(3):1319-27; Miller et al., 1985, Nature314(6006):109-11; Ha et al., 1992, Biochim. Biophys. Acta1125(2):223-29; Beitz et al., 1992, Prostaglandins Leukot. Essent. FattyAcids 47(2):149-52). As a consequence, HDLs have popularly become knownas “good” cholesterol, (see, e.g., Zhang, et al., 2003 Circulation108:661-663).

The “protective” role of HDL has been confirmed in a number of studies(e.g., Miller et al., 1977, Lancet 1(8019):965-68; Whayne et al., 1981,Atherosclerosis 39:411-19). In these studies, the elevated levels of LDLappear to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk, whereas highHDL levels seem to confer cardiovascular protection. In vivo studieshave further demonstrated the protective role of HDL, showing that HDLinfusions into rabbits may hinder the development of cholesterol inducedarterial lesions (Badimon et al., 1989, Lab. Invest. 60:455-61) and/orinduce their regression (Badimon et al., 1990, J. Clin. Invest.85:1234-41).

3.1 Reverse Cholesterol Transport, HDL and Apolipoprotein A-I

The reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway functions to eliminatecholesterol from most extrahepatic tissues and is crucial to maintainingthe structure and function of most cells in the body. RCT consistsmainly of three steps: (a) cholesterol efflux, i.e., the initial removalof cholesterol from various pools of peripheral cells; (b) cholesterolesterification by the action of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase(LCAT), preventing a re-entry of effluxed cholesterol into cells; and(c) uptake of HDL cholesterol and cholesteryl esters to liver cells forhydrolysis, then recycling, storage, excretion in bile or catabolism tobile acids

LCAT, the key enzyme in RCT, is produced by the liver and circulates inplasma associated with the HDL fraction. LCAT converts cell-derivedcholesterol to cholesteryl esters, which are sequestered in HDL destinedfor removal (see Jonas 2000, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1529(1-3):245-56).Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and phospholipid transferprotein (PLTP) contribute to further remodeling of the circulating HDLpopulation. CETP moves cholesteryl esters made by LCAT to otherlipoproteins, particularly ApoB-comprising lipoproteins, such as VLDLand LDL. PLTP supplies lecithin to HDL. HDL triglycerides arecatabolized by the extracellular hepatic triglyceride lipase, andlipoprotein cholesterol is removed by the liver via several mechanisms

The functional characteristics of HDL particles are mainly determined bytheir major apolipoprotein components such as ApoA-I and ApoA-II. Minoramounts of ApoC-I, ApoC-II, ApoC-III, ApoD, ApoA-IV, ApoE, ApoJ havealso been observed associated with HDL. HDL exists in a wide variety ofdifferent sizes and different mixtures of the above-mentionedconstituents, depending on the status of remodeling during the metabolicRCT cascade or pathway

Each HDL particle usually comprises at least 1 molecule, and usually twoto 4 molecules, of ApoA-I. HDL particles may also comprise only ApoE(gamma-LpE particles), which are known to also be responsible forcholesterol efflux, as described by Prof. Gerd Assmann (see, e.g., vonEckardstein et al., 1994, Curr Opin Lipidol. 5(6):404-16). ApoA-I issynthesized by the liver and small intestine as preproapolipoproteinA-I, which is secreted as proapolipoprotein A-I (proApoA-I) and rapidlycleaved to generate the plasma form of ApoA-I, a single polypeptidechain of 243 amino acids (Brewer et al., 1978, Biochem. Biophys. Res.Commun. 80:623-30). PreproApoA-I that is injected experimentallydirectly into the bloodstream is also cleaved into the plasma form ofApoA-I (Klon et al., 2000, Biophys. J. 79(3):1679-85; Segrest et al.,2000, Curr. Opin. Lipidol. 11(2):105-15; Segrest et al., 1999, J. Biol.Chem. 274 (45):31755-58).

ApoA-I comprises 6 to 8 different 22-amino acid alpha-helices orfunctional repeats spaced by a linker moiety that is frequently proline.The repeat units exist in amphipathic helical conformation (Segrest etal., 1974, FEBS Lett. 38: 247-53) and confer the main biologicalactivities of ApoA-I, i.e., lipid binding and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activation.

ApoA-I forms three types of stable complexes with lipids: small,lipid-poor complexes referred to as pre-beta-1 HDL; flattened discoidalparticles comprising polar lipids (phospholipid and cholesterol)referred to as pre-beta-2 HDL; and spherical particles, comprising bothpolar and nonpolar lipids, referred to as spherical or mature HDL (HDL₃and HDL₂). Most HDL in the circulating population comprise both ApoA-Iand ApoA-II (the “AI/AII-HDL fraction”). However, the fraction of HDLcomprising only ApoA-I (the “AI-HDL fraction”) appears to be moreeffective in RCT. Certain epidemiologic studies support the hypothesisthat the Apo-AI-HDL fraction is anti-atherogenic. (Parra et al., 1992,Arterioscler. Thromb. 12:701-07; Decossin et al., 1997, Eur. J. Clin.Invest. 27:299-307).

HDL are made of several populations of particles that have differentsizes, lipid composition and apolipoprotein composition. They can beseparated according to their properties, including their hydrateddensity, apolipoprotein composition and charge characteristics. Forexample, pre-beta-HDL are characterized by a lower surface charge thanmature alpha-HDL. Because of this charge difference, pre-beta-HDL andmature alpha-HDL have different electrophoretic mobilities in agarosegel (David et al., 1994, J. Biol. Chem. 269(12):8959-8965).

The metabolism of pre-beta-HDL and mature alpha-HDL also differs.Pre-beta-HDL have two metabolic fates: either removal from plasma andcatabolism by the kidney or remodeling to medium-sized HDL that arepreferentially degraded by the liver (Lee et al., 2004, J. Lipid Res.45(4):716-728).

Although the mechanism for cholesterol transfer from the cell surface(i.e., cholesterol efflux) is unknown, it is believed that thelipid-poor complex, pre-beta-1 HDL, is the preferred acceptor forcholesterol transferred from peripheral tissue involved in RCT (seeDavidson et al., 1994, J. Biol. Chem. 269:22975-82; Bielicki et al.,1992, J. Lipid Res. 33:1699-1709; Rothblat et al., 1992, J. Lipid Res.33:1091-97; and Kawano et al., 1993, Biochemistry 32:5025-28; Kawano etal., 1997, Biochemistry 36:9816-25). During this process of cholesterolrecruitment from the cell surface, pre-beta-1 HDL is rapidly convertedto pre-beta-2 HDL. PLTP may increase the rate of pre-beta-2 HDL discformation, but data indicating a role for PLTP in RCT is lacking. LCATreacts preferentially with discoidal, small (pre-beta) and spherical(i.e., mature) HDL, transferring the 2-acyl group of lecithin or otherphospholipids to the free hydroxyl residue of cholesterol to generatecholesteryl esters (retained in the HDL) and lysolecithin. The LCATreaction requires ApoA-I as an activator; i.e., ApoA-I is the naturalcofactor for LCAT. The conversion of cholesterol sequestered in the HDLto its ester prevents re-entry of cholesterol into the cell, the netresult being that cholesterol is removed from the cell.

Cholesteryl esters in the mature HDL particles in the ApoAI-HDL fraction(i.e., comprising ApoA-I and no ApoA-II) are removed by the liver andprocessed into bile more effectively than those derived from HDLcomprising both ApoA-I and ApoA-II (the A1/AII-HDL fraction). This maybe owing, in part, to the more effective binding of ApoAI-HDL to thehepatocyte membrane. The existence of an HDL receptor has beenhypothesized, and a scavenger receptor, class B, type I (SR—BI) has beenidentified as an HDL receptor (Acton et al., 1996, Science 271:518-20;Xu et al., 1997, Lipid Res. 38:1289-98). SR—BI is expressed mostabundantly in steroidogenic tissues (e.g., the adrenals), and in theliver (Landschulz et al., 1996, J. Clin. Invest. 98:984-95; Rigotti etal., 1996, J. Biol. Chem. 271:33545-49). For a review of HDL receptors,see Broutin et al., 1988, Anal. Biol. Chem. 46:16-23.

Initial lipidation by ATP-binding cassette transporter AI appears to becritical for plasma HDL formation and for ability of pre-beta-HDLparticles for cholesterol efflux (Lee and Parks, 2005, Curr. Opin.Lipidol. 16(1):19-25). According to these authors, this initiallipidation enables pre-beta-HDL to function more efficiently as acholesterol acceptor and prevents ApoA-I from rapidly associating withpre-existing plasma HDL particles, resulting in greater availability ofpre-beta-HDL particles for cholesterol efflux.

CETP may also play a role in RCT. Changes in CETP activity or itsacceptors, VLDL and LDL, play a role in “remodeling” the HDL population.For example, in the absence of CETP, the HDLs become enlarged particlesthat are not cleared. (For reviews of RCT and HDLs, see Fielding andFielding, 1995, J. Lipid Res. 36:211-28; Barrans et al., 1996, Biochem.Biophys. Acta 1300:73-85; Hirano et al., 1997, Arterioscler. Thromb.Vasc. Biol. 17(6):1053-59).

HDL also plays a role in the reverse transport of other lipids andapolar molecules, and in detoxification, i.e., the transport of lipidsfrom cells, organs, and tissues to the liver for catabolism andexcretion. Such lipids include sphingomyelin (SM), oxidized lipids, andlysophophatidylcholine. For example, Robins and Fasulo (1997, J. Clin.Invest. 99:380-84) have shown that HDLs stimulate the transport of plantsterol by the liver into bile secretions.

The major component of HDL, ApoA-I, can associate with SM in vitro. WhenApoA-I is reconstituted in vitro with bovine brain SM (BBSM), a maximumrate of reconstitution occurs at 28° C., the temperature approximatingthe phase transition temperature for BBSM (Swaney, 1983, J. Biol. Chem.258(2), 1254-59). At BBSM:ApoA-I ratios of 7.5:1 or less (wt/wt), asingle reconstituted homogeneous HDL particle is formed that comprisesthree ApoA-I molecules per particle and that has a BBSM:ApoA-I molarratio of 360:1. It appears in the electron microscope as a discoidalcomplex similar to that obtained by recombination of ApoA-I withphosphatidylcholine at elevated ratios of phospholipid/protein. AtBBSM:ApoA-I ratios of 15:1 (wt/wt), however, larger-diameter discoidalcomplexes form that have a higher phospholipid:protein molar ratio(535:1). These complexes are significantly larger, more stable, and moreresistant to denaturation than ApoA-I complexes formed withphosphatidylcholine.

Sphingomyelin (SM) is elevated in early cholesterol acceptors(pre-beta-HDL and gamma-migrating ApoE-comprising lipoprotein),suggesting that SM might enhance the ability of these particles topromote cholesterol efflux (Dass and Jessup, 2000, J. Pharm. Pharmacol.52:731-61; Huang et al., 1994, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:1834-38;Fielding and Fielding 1995, J. Lipid Res. 36:211-28).

3.2 Protective Mechanism of HDL and ApoA-I

Recent studies of the protective mechanism(s) of HDL have focused onapolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), the major component of HDL. High plasmalevels of ApoA-I are associated with absence or reduction of coronarylesions (Maciejko et al., 1983, N. Engl. J. Med. 309:385-89; Sedlis etal., 1986, Circulation 73:978-84).

The infusion of ApoA-I or of HDL in experimental animals exertssignificant biochemical changes, as well as reduces the extent andseverity of atherosclerotic lesions. After an initial report by Maciejkoand Mao (1982, Arteriosclerosis 2:407a), Badimon et al., (1989, Lab.Invest. 60:455-61; 1989, J. Clin. Invest. 85:1234-41) found that theycould significantly reduce the extent of atherosclerotic lesions(reduction of 45%) and their cholesterol ester content (reduction of58.5%) in cholesterol-fed rabbits, by infusing HDL (d=1.063-1.325 g/ml).They also found that the infusions of HDL led to a close to a 50%regression of established lesions. Esper et al. (1987, Arteriosclerosis7:523a) have shown that infusions of HDL can markedly change the plasmalipoprotein composition of Watanabe rabbits with inheritedhypercholesterolemia, which develop early arterial lesions. In theserabbits, HDL infusions can more than double the ratio between theprotective HDL and the atherogenic LDL.

The potential of HDL to prevent arterial disease in animal models hasbeen further underscored by the observation that ApoA-I can exert afibrinolytic activity in vitro (Saku et al., 1985, Thromb. Res. 39:1-8).Ronneberger (1987, Xth Int. Congr. Pharmacol., Sydney, 990) demonstratedthat ApoA-I can increase fibrinolysis in beagle dogs and in Cynomologousmonkeys. A similar activity can be noted in vitro on human plasma.Ronneberger was able to confirm a reduction of lipid deposition andarterial plaque formation in ApoA-I treated animals.

In vitro studies indicate that complexes of ApoA-I and lecithin canpromote the efflux of free cholesterol from cultured arterial smoothmuscle cells (Stein et al., 1975, Biochem. Biophys. Acta, 380:106-18).By this mechanism, HDL can also reduce the proliferation of these cells(Yoshida et al., 1984, Exp. Mol Pathol. 41:258-66).

Infusion therapy with HDL comprising ApoA-I or ApoA-I mimetic peptideshas also been shown to regulate plasma HDL levels by the ABC1transporter, leading to efficacy in the treatment of cardiovasculardisease (see, e.g., Brewer et al., 2004, Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc.Biol. 24:1755-1760).

Two naturally occurring human mutations of ApoA-I have been isolated inwhich an arginine residue is mutated to cysteine. In apolipoproteinA-I_(Milano) (ApoA-I_(M)), this substitution occurs at residue 173,whereas in apolipoprotein A-I_(Paris) (ApoA-I_(P)), this substitutionoccurs at residue 151 (Franceschini et al., 1980, J. Clin. Invest.66:892-900; Weisgraber et al., 1983, J. Biol. Chem. 258:2508-13;Bruckert et al., 1997, Atherosclerosis 128:121-28; Daum et al., 1999, J.Mol. Med. 77:614-22; Klon et al., 2000, Biophys. J. 79(3):1679-85).Reconstituted HDL particles comprising disulfide-linked homodimers ofeither ApoA-I_(M) or ApoA-I_(P) are similar to reconstituted HDLparticles comprising wild-type ApoA-I in their ability to cleardimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) emulsions and their ability topromote cholesterol efflux (Calabresi et al., 1997b, Biochemistry36:12428-33; Franceschini et al., 1999, Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc.Biol. 19:1257-62; Daum et al., 1999, J. Mol. Med. 77:614-22). In bothmutations, heterozygous individuals have decreased levels of HDL butparadoxically, are at a reduced risk for atherosclerosis (Franceschiniet al., 1980, J. Clin. Invest. 66:892-900; Weisgraber et al., 1983, J.Biol. Chem. 258:2508-13; Bruckert et al., 1997, Atherosclerosis128:121-28). Reconstituted HDL particles comprising either variant arecapable of LCAT activation, although with decreased efficiency whencompared with reconstituted HDL particles comprising wild-type ApoA-I(Calabresi et al., 1997a, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 232:345-49;Daum et al., 1999, J. Mol. Med. 77:614-22).

The ApoA-I_(M) mutation is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait;eight generations of carriers within a family have been identified(Gualandri et al., 1984, Am. J. Hum. Genet. 37:1083-97). The status ofan ApoA-I_(M) carrier individual is characterized by a remarkablereduction in HDL-cholesterol level. In spite of this, carrierindividuals do not apparently show any increased risk of arterialdisease. Indeed, by examination of genealogical records, it appears thatthese subjects may be “protected” from atherosclerosis (Sirtori et al.,2001, Circulation, 103: 1949-1954; Roma et al., 1993, J. Clin. Invest.91(4):1445-520).

The mechanism of the possible protective effect of ApoA-I_(M) incarriers of the mutation seems to be linked to a modification in thestructure of the mutant ApoA-I_(M), with loss of one alpha-helix and anincreased exposure of hydrophobic residues (Franceschini et al., 1985,J. Biol. Chem. 260:1632-35). The loss of the tight structure of themultiple alpha-helices leads to an increased flexibility of themolecule, which associates more readily with lipids, compared to normalApoA-I. Moreover, apolipoprotein-lipid complexes are more susceptible todenaturation, thus suggesting that lipid delivery is also improved inthe case of the mutant.

Bielicki, et al. (1997, Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 17(9):1637-43) has demonstrated that ApoA-I_(M) has a limited capacity torecruit membrane cholesterol compared with wild-type ApoA-I. Inaddition, nascent HDL formed by the association of ApoA-I_(M) withmembrane lipids was predominantly 7.4-nm particles rather than larger 9-and 11-nm complexes formed by wild-type ApoA-I. These observationsindicate that the Arg₁₇₃→Cys₁₇₃ substitution in the ApoA-I primarysequence interfered with the normal process of cellular cholesterolrecruitment and nascent HDL assembly. The mutation is apparentlyassociated with a decreased efficiency for cholesterol removal fromcells. Its antiatherogenic properties may therefore be unrelated to RCT.

The most striking structural change attributed to the Arg₁₇₃→Cys₁₇₃substitution is the dimerization of ApoA-I_(M) (Bielicki et al., 1997,Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 17 (9):1637-43). ApoA-I_(M) can formhomodimers with itself and heterodimers with ApoA-II. Studies of bloodfractions comprising a mixture of apolipoproteins indicate that thepresence of dimers and complexes in the circulation may be responsiblefor an increased elimination half-life of apolipoproteins. Such anincreased elimination half-life has been observed in clinical studies ofcarriers of the mutation (Gregg et al., 1988, NATO ARW on HumanApolipoprotein Mutants: From Gene Structure to Phenotypic Expression,Limone S G). Other studies indicate that ApoA-I_(M) dimers(ApoA-I_(M)/ApoA-I_(M)) act as an inhibiting factor in theinterconversion of HDL particles in vitro (Franceschini et al., 1990, J.Biol. Chem. 265:12224-31).

3.3 Current Treatments for Dyslipidemia and Related Disorders

Dyslipidemic disorders are diseases associated with elevated serumcholesterol and triglyceride levels and lowered serum HDL:LDL ratios,and include hyperlipidemia, especially hypercholesterolemia, coronaryheart disease, coronary artery disease, vascular and perivasculardiseases, and cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Syndromesassociated with atherosclerosis such as intermittent claudication,caused by arterial insufficiency, are also included. A number oftreatments are currently available for lowering the elevated serumcholesterol and triglycerides associated with dyslipidemic disorders.However, each has its own drawbacks and limitations in terms ofefficacy, side-effects and qualifying patient population.

Bile-acid-binding resins are a class of drugs that interrupt therecycling of bile acids from the intestine to the liver; e.g.,cholestyramine (Questran Light®, Bristol-Myers Squibb), and colestipolhydrochloride (Colestid®, The Upjohn Company). When taken orally, thesepositively-charged resins bind to the negatively charged bile acids inthe intestine. Because the resins cannot be absorbed from the intestine,they are excreted carrying the bile acids with them. The use of suchresins at best, however, only lowers serum cholesterol levels by about20%, and is associated with gastrointestinal side-effects, includingconstipation and certain vitamin deficiencies. Moreover, since theresins bind other drugs, other oral medications must be taken at leastone hour before or four to six hours subsequent to ingestion of theresin; thus, complicating heart patient's drug regimens.

Statins are cholesterol lowering agents that block cholesterol synthesisby inhibiting HMGCoA reductase, the key enzyme involved in thecholesterol biosynthetic pathway. Statins, e.g., lovastatin (Mevacor®),simvastatin (Zocor®), pravastatin (Pravachol®), fluvastatin (Lescol®)and atorvastatin (Lipitor®), are sometimes used in combination withbile-acid-binding resins. Statins significantly reduce serum cholesteroland LDL-serum levels, and slow progression of coronary atherosclerosis.However, serum HDL cholesterol levels are only moderately increased. Themechanism of the LDL lowering effect may involve both reduction of VLDLconcentration and induction of cellular expression of LDL-receptor,leading to reduced production and/or increased catabolism of LDLs. Sideeffects, including liver and kidney dysfunction are associated with theuse of these drugs (The Physicians Desk Reference, 56^(th) Ed., 2002)Medical Economics).

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is a water soluble vitamin B-complex used as adietary supplement and antihyperlipidemic agent. Niacin diminishesproduction of VLDL and is effective at lowering LDL. In some cases, itis used in combination with bile-acid binding resins. Niacin canincrease HDL when used at adequate doses, however, its usefulness islimited by serious side effects when used at such high doses. Niaspan®is a form of extended-release niacin that produces fewer side effectsthan pure niacin. Niacin/Lovastatin (Nicostatin®) is a formulationcontaining both niacin and lovastatin and combines the benefits of eachdrug.

Fibrates are a class of lipid-lowering drugs used to treat various formsof hyperlipidemia (i.e., elevated serum triglycerides) that may also beassociated with hypercholesterolemia. Fibrates appear to reduce the VLDLfraction and modestly increase HDL—however the effect of these drugs onserum cholesterol is variable. In the United States, fibrates such asclofibrate (Atromid-S®), fenofibrate (Tricor®) and bezafibrate(Bezalip®) have been approved for use as antilipidemic drugs, but havenot received approval as hypercholesterolemia agents. For example,clofibrate is an antilipidemic agent that acts (via an unknownmechanism) to lower serum triglycerides by reducing the VLDL fraction.Although serum cholesterol may be reduced in certain patientsubpopulations, the biochemical response to the drug is variable, and isnot always possible to predict which patients will obtain favorableresults. Atromid-S® has not been shown to be effective for prevention ofcoronary heart disease. The chemically and pharmacologically relateddrug, gemfibrozil (Lopid®) is a lipid regulating agent that moderatelydecreases serum triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol, and moderatelyincreases HDL cholesterol—the HDL₂ and HDL₃ subfractions as well as bothApoA-I and A-II (i.e., the AI/AMT-HDL fraction). However, the lipidresponse is heterogeneous, especially among different patientpopulations. Moreover, while prevention of coronary heart disease wasobserved in male patients between 40-55 without history or symptoms ofexisting coronary heart disease, it is not clear to what extent thesefindings can be extrapolated to other patient populations (e.g., women,older and younger males). Indeed, no efficacy was observed in patientswith established coronary heart disease. Serious side-effects areassociated with the use of fibrates including toxicity such asmalignancy, (especially gastrointestinal cancer), gallbladder diseaseand an increased incidence in non-coronary mortality.

Oral estrogen replacement therapy may be considered for moderatehypercholesterolemia in post-menopausal women. However, increases in HDLmay be accompanied with an increase in triglycerides. Estrogen treatmentis, of course, limited to a specific patient population (postmenopausalwomen) and is associated with serious side effects including inductionof malignant neoplasms, gall bladder disease, thromboembolic disease,hepatic adenoma, elevated blood pressure, glucose intolerance, andhypercalcemia.

Other agents useful for the treatment of hyperlipidemia includeezetimibe (Zetia®; Merck), which blocks or inhibits cholesterolabsorption. However, inhibitors of ezetimibe have been shown to exhibitcertain toxicities.

The need therefore exists for safer drugs that are more efficacious inlowering serum cholesterol, increasing HDL serum levels, preventingand/or treating dyslipidemia and/or diseases, conditions and/ordisorders associated with dyslipidemia.

For example, HDL, as well as recombinant forms of ApoA-I complexed withphospholipids can serve as sinks/scavengers for apolar or amphipathicmolecules, e.g., cholesterol and derivatives (oxysterols, oxidizedsterols, plant sterols, etc.), cholesterol esters, phospholipids andderivatives (oxidized phospholipids), triglycerides, oxidation products,and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (see, e.g., Casas et al., 1995, J. Surg.Res. Nov 59(5):544-52). HDL can also serve as also a scavenger forTNF-alpha and other lymphokines. HDL can also serve as a carrier forhuman serum paraoxonases, e.g., PON-1,-2,-3. Paraoxonase, an esteraseassociated with HDL, is important for protecting cell components againstoxidation. Oxidation of LDL, which occurs during oxidative stress,appears directly linked to development of atherosclerosis (Aviram, 2000,Free Radic. Res. 33 Suppl:S85-97). Paraoxonase appears to play a role insusceptibility to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (Aviram,1999, Mol. Med. Today 5(9):381-86). Human serum paraoxonase (PON-1) isbound to high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). Its activity is inverselyrelated to atherosclerosis. PON-1 hydrolyzes organophosphates and mayprotect against atherosclerosis by inhibition of the oxidation of HDLand low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (Aviram, 1999, Mol. Med. Today5(9):381-86). Experimental studies suggest that this protection isassociated with the ability of PON-1 to hydrolyze specific lipidperoxides in oxidized lipoproteins. Interventions that preserve orenhance PON-1 activity may help to delay the onset of atherosclerosisand coronary heart disease.

HDL further has a role as an antithrombotic agent and fibrinogenreducer, and as an agent in hemorrhagic shock (Cockerill et al., WO01/13939, published Mar. 1, 2001). HDL, and ApoA-I in particular, hasbeen show to facilitate an exchange of lipopolysaccharide produced bysepsis into lipid particles comprising ApoA-I, resulting in thefunctional neutralization of the lipopolysaccharide (Wright et al.,WO9534289, published Dec. 21, 1995; Wright et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,928,624 issued Jul. 27, 1999; Wright et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,536,issued Aug. 3, 1999).

The therapeutic use of ApoA-I, ApoA-I_(M), ApoA-I_(P) and othervariants, as well as reconstituted HDL, is presently limited, however,by the large amount of apolipoprotein required for therapeuticadministration and by the cost of protein production, considering thelow overall yield of production. It has been suggested by early clinicaltrials that the dose range is between 1.5-4 g of protein per infusionfor treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The number of infusionsrequired for a full treatment is unknown. (See, e.g., Eriksson et al.,1999, Circulation 100(6):594-98; Carlson, 1995, Nutr. Metab. Cardiovasc.Dis. 5:85-91; Nanjee et al., 2000, Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol.20(9):2148-55; Nanjee et al., 1999, Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol.19(4):979-89; Nanjee et al., 1996, Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol.16(9):1203-14). Thus, there is a need to develop new methods for thetreatment and/or prevention of dyslipidemic diseases, conditions and/ordisorders.

Citation or identification of any reference in Section 2 or in any othersection of this application shall not be construed as an admission thatsuch reference is available as prior art to the present invention

4. SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides charged lipoprotein complexes,compositions comprising the complexes and methods of using the complexesto treat and/or prevent a variety of disorders and conditions, includingdyslipidemia, and/or the various diseases, disorders and/or conditionsassociated therewith. The complexes are generally lipoproteins thatcomprise two fractions, an apolipoprotein fraction and a lipid fraction,and that include as a key ingredient a specified amount of a chargedphospholipid (or a mixture of two or more different, typicallylike-charged, phospholipids). The charged phospholipid(s) can bepositively or negatively charged at physiological pH, but in manyembodiments are negatively charged. In some embodiments, the chargedphospholipid comprises one or more of phosphatidylinositol,phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol and/or phosphatidic acid.

The apolipoprotein fraction comprises one or more proteins, peptides orpeptide analogs that are capable of mobilizing cholesterol when includedin the complex (called “apolipoproteins”). A specific example of such anapolipoprotein is ApoA-I. Other specific examples are described furtherherein below.

The lipid fraction generally comprises one or more neutral phospholipidsand the charged phospholidpid, and may optionally include additionallipids, such as for example, triglycerides, cholesterol, cholesterolesters, lysophospholipids, and their various analogs and/or derivatives.In some embodiments, the charged lipoprotein complexes do not includesuch optional lipids.

The neutral phospholipids(s) can be any phospholipid that has a netcharge of about zero at physiological pH. In some embodiments, theneutral phospholipid is a zwitterion that has a net charge of about zeroat physiological pH. In some embodiments, the neutral phospholipidcomprises a lecithin (also known as phosphatidylcholine or “PC”). Insome embodiments the neutral phospholipid comprises a sphingomyelin(“SM”). In some embodiments, the neutral phospholipid comprises amixture of lecithin and SM. Embodiments of charged lipoprotein complexesin which the lipid fraction comprises either lecithin or SM, at leastone charged phospholipid(s), and optionally other lipids, are called“ternary” complexes, because they comprise three “major” components: anapolipoprotein, a lecithin or a sphingomyelin and a chargedphospholipid(s). Embodiments of charged lipoprotein complexes in whichthe lipid fraction comprises both lecithin and SM, at least one chargedphospholipids(s) and optionally other lipids are called “quaternary”complexes.

The total amount of charged phospholipids(s) comprising the lipidfraction of the charged lipoprotein complexes can vary, but typicallyranges from about 0.2 to 10 wt %. In some embodiments, the lipidfraction comprises from about 0.2 to 2 wt %, 0.2 to 3 wt %, 0.2 to 4 wt%, 0.2 to 5 wt %, 0.2 to 6 wt %, 0.2.to 7 wt %, 0.2 to 8 wt % or 0.2 to9 wt % total charged phospholipids(s). In some embodiments, the lipidfraction comprises about 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6., 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0,1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4,2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 or 3.0 wt % total charged phospholipid(s),and/or a range including any of these values as endpoints. In someembodiments, the lipid fraction comprises from about 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5,0.6., 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9,2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 or 3.0 wt % totalcharged phospholipid(s) up to about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 wt % totalcharged phospholipid(s).

The total amount of neutral phospholipid(s) comprising the lipidfraction can also vary, and will depend upon the amount of chargedphospholipid(s) and any optional lipids included. In embodiments whichdo not include optional lipids, the lipid fraction will generallycomprise from about 90 to 99.8 wt % total neutral phospholipid(s).

As mentioned above, the neutral phospholipid can comprise a lecithin, aSM, or a mixture of lecithin, and SM. The lecithin and/or SM cancomprise the bulk of the neutral phospholipid or, alternatively, theneutral phospholipid can include neutral phospholipids in addition tothe lecithin and/or SM. In embodiments in which the neutral phospholipidincludes lecithin but not SM, the neutral phospholipid will typicallycomprise from about 5 to 100 wt % lecithin. In some embodiments, theneutral phospholipid comprises 100 wt % lecithin.

In embodiments in which the neutral phospholipid comprise SM but notlecithin, the neutral phospholipid will generally comprise from about 5to 100 wt % SM. In some embodiments, the neutral phospholipid comprises100 wt % SM.

In embodiments in which the neutral phospholipid includes a mixture oflecithin and SM, both the amount of the mixture comprising the totalneutral phospholipid, and the relative amounts of the lecithin and SMcomprising the mixture (i.e., lecithin: SM molar ratio) can vary.Typically, the neutral phospholipid will comprise from about 5 to 100 wt% of the lecithin/SM mixture. In some embodiments, the neutralphospholipid is comprised wholly of lecithin and SM (i.e., 100 wt % of amixture of lecithin and SM).

The molar ratio of lecithin to SM (lecithin:SM) can vary, but willtypically range from about 20:1 to 1:20. In some embodiments, thelecithin:SM molar ratio ranges from about 10:3 to 10:6. In otherembodiments, the lecithin:SM molar ratio ranges from about 1:20 to 3:10.

Optional lipids, if included, will generally comprise about 50 wt % orless of the lipid fraction. In some embodiments, the lipid fractioncomprises less than about 30 wt % total optional lipids. In a specificembodiment, the lipid fraction comprises less than about 5 wt %, 10 wt %or 20 wt % total optional lipids.

The lipid-to-apolipoprotein molar ratio of the charged lipoproteincomplexes can also vary. In some embodiments, the charged lipoproteincomplexes comprise a lipid:apolipoprotein molar ratio ranging from about2:1 to about 200:1. In some embodiments, the lipid:apolipoprotein molarratio is about 50:1.

The charged lipoprotein complexes described herein can take on a varietyof shapes, sizes and forms, ranging from micellar structures, to small,discoidal particles that are akin to naturally-occurring pre-beta HDLparticles, to larger, discoidal particles that are akin tonaturally-occurring alpha-HDL particles, to large, spherical particlesthat are akin to naturally-occurring HDL₂ or HDL₃. The desired size andshape of the charged lipoprotein complexes described herein can becontrolled by adjusting the components and weight (or molar) ratios ofthe lipids comprising the lipid fraction, as well as thelipid:apolipoprotein molar ratio, as is know in the art (see, e.g.,Barter et al., 1996, J. Biol. Chem. 271:4243-4250).

In some embodiments, the charged lipoprotein complexes are in the formof discoidal particles in which the lipid fraction consists essentiallyof about 90 to 99.8 wt % total neutral phospholipid(s) and about 0.2 to10 wt % total negatively charged phospholipids(s). The discoidalparticles can be large (e.g., having an oblate diameter of about 10 to14 nm) or small (e.g., having an oblate diameter of about 5 to 10 nm).The size of the discoidal particles can be controlled by adjusting thelipid:apolipoprotein molar ratio, as is known in the art (see, e.g.,Barter et al., 1996, supra.). The sizes of the particles can bedetermined using, for example, size exclusion column chromatography.

The pharmaceutical compositions generally comprise charged lipoproteincomplexes as described herein, and may optionally include one or morepharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients and/or diluents. Insome embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions are packaged in unitdosage amounts suitable for administration. For example, in someembodiments, the compositions comprise unit dosage amounts of dried (forexample lyophilized) charged lipoprotein complexes packaged in sealedvials. Such compositions are suitable for reconstitution with water,physiological solution (such as saline) or buffer, and administrationvia injection. Such compositions may optionally include one or moreanti-caking and/or anti-agglomerating agents to facilitatereconstitution of the charged complexes, or one or more bufferingagents, sugars or salts (e.g., sodium chloride) designed to adjust thepH, osmolality and/or salinity of the reconstituted suspension.

The charged lipoprotein complexes and compositions described herein areexpected to effect and/or facilitate cholesterol efflux and/orelimination, and are therefore expected to be useful in the treatmentand/or prophylaxis of a variety of conditions and disorders, including,for example, dyslipidemia and/or diseases, conditions and/or disordersassociated with dyslipidemia or with consumption, accumulation orelimination of lipids (e.g., fat deposits, cell degradation)/or apolarmolecules such as toxins, xenobiotics, etc. Non-limiting examples ofsuch diseases, disorders and/or associated conditions that can betreated or prevented with the charged lipoprotein complexes andcompositions described herein include, peripheral vascular disease,hypertension, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, restenosis,atherosclerosis, and the myriad clinical manifestations ofatherosclerosis, such as, for example, stroke, ischemic stroke,transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, acute coronarysyndrome, angina pectoris, renovascular hypertension, renovascularinsufficiency, intermittent claudication, critical limb ischemia, restpain and gangrene.

The methods generally involve administering to a subject an amount of acharged lipoprotein complex or pharmaceutical complex described hereineffective to treat or prevent the particular indication. The complexesand/or compositions can be administered alone (as monotherapy) or,alternatively, they can be adjunctively administered with othertherapeutic agents useful for treating and/or preventing dyslipidemiaand/or its associated conditions, diseases and/or disorders.Non-limiting examples of therapeutic agents with which the chargedlipoprotein complexes and compositions described herein can beadjunctively administered include bile acid-binding resins, HMGCoA-reductase inhibitors (statins), niacin, resins, inhibitors ofcholesterol absorption and fibrates.

While not intending to be bound by any theory of operation, it isbelieved that the charged phospholipids comprising the lipid fractionwill impart the charged lipoprotein complexes and compositions describedherein with improved therapeutic properties over conventionallipoprotein complexes. One of the key differences between smalldiscoidal pre-beta HDL, which are degraded in the kidney, and largediscoidal and/or spherical HDL, which are recognized by the liver wheretheir cholesterol is either stored, recycled, metabolized (as bileacids) or eliminated (in the bile), is the charge of the particles. Thesmall, discoidal pre-beta HDL have a lower negative surface charge thanlarge, discoidal and/or spherical HDL that are negatively charged. Whilenot intending to be bound by any theory of operation, it is believedthat the higher negative charge is one of the factors that triggers therecognition of the particles by the liver, and that therefore avoidscatabolism of the particles by the kidney. Owing in part to the presenceof the charged phospholipids(s), it is believed that the chargedlipoprotein complexes and compositions described herein will stay in thecirculation longer than conventional lipoprotein complexes, or that thecharge will affect the half-life of the lipoprotein in acharge-dependent manner. It is expected that their longer circulation(residence) time will facilitate cholesterol mobilization (by giving thecomplexes more time to accumulate cholesterol) and esterification (byproviding more time for the LCAT to catalyze the esterificationreaction). The charge may also increase the rate of cholesterol captureand/or removal, thereby facilitating removal of cholesterol in largerquantities. As a consequence, it is expected that the chargedlipoprotein complexes and compositions described herein will providetherapeutic benefit over conventional lipoprotein therapies, as lesscomplex and/or composition will need to be administered, and less often.

5. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 provides a chromatogram of an uncharged lipoprotein complexconsisting of proApo-AI (33 wt %) and sphingomyelin (67 wt %);

FIG. 2 provides a chromatogram of an embodiment of a charged lipoproteincomplex consisting of proApo-AI (33 wt %), sphingomyelin (65 wt %) andphosphatidylglycerol (2 wt %);

FIG. 3 provides graphs illustrating the total amount of free cholesterolin HDL measured as a function of time in rabbits followingadministration of a control, uncharged lipoprotein complex (curveslabeled IIA) or an embodiment of a charged lipoprotein complex asdescribed herein (curves labeled IIB); and

FIG. 4 provides a graph illustrating the averaged amount of freecholesterol in HDL measured as a function of time in rabbitsadministered a control, uncharged lipoprotein complex (group IIA; twoanimals) or an embodiment of a charged lipoprotein complex as describedherein (group IIB; two animals).

6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides charged lipoprotein complexes andcompositions that are useful for, among other things, the treatmentand/or prophylaxis of dyslipidemia and/or diseases, disorders and/orconditions associated with dyslipidemia. As discussed in the Summarysection, the charged lipoprotein complexes comprise two major fractions,an apolipoprotein fraction and a lipid fraction, and include as a keyingredient a specified amount of one or more charged phospholipids.

The charged lipoprotein complexes can be isolated from natural sources,such has from human serum (referred to herein as “isolated chargedlipoprotein complexes”), or they can be made or reconstituted from theirindividual components (referred to herein as “reconstituted chargedlipoprotein complexes”). As will be appreciated by skilled artisans,reconstituted charged lipoprotein complexes can be advantageous in manyapplications, because the identities and amounts of their variouscomponents can be selectively controlled.

6.1 Apolipoproteins and Apolipoprotein Peptides

The nature of the apolipoproteins comprising the apolipoprotein fractionof the charged lipoprotein complexes is not critical for success.Virtually any apolipoprotein and/or derivative or analog thereof thatprovides therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefit as described herein canbe included in the charged complexes. Moreover, any alpha-helicalpeptide or peptide analog, or any other type of molecule that “mimics”the activity of an apolipoprotein (such as, for example ApoA-I) in thatit can activate LCAT or form discoidal particles when associated withlipids, can comprise the charged complexes, and is therefore includedwithin the definition of “apolipoprotein.” Examples of suitableapolipoproteins include, but are not limited to, preproapolipoproteinforms of ApoA-I, ApoA-II, ApoA-IV, ApoA-V and ApoE; pro- and matureforms of human ApoA-I, ApoA-II, ApoA-IV, and ApoE; and activepolymorphic forms, isoforms, variants and mutants as well as truncatedforms, the most common of which are ApoA-I_(M) (ApoA-I_(M)) andApoA-I_(P) (ApoA-I_(P)). Apolipoproteins mutants containing cysteineresidues are also known, and can also be used (see, e.g., U.S.2003/0181372). The apolipoproteins may be in the form of monomers ordimers, which may be homodimers or heterodimers. For example, homo- andheterodimers (where feasible) of pro- and mature ApoA-I (Duverger etal., 1996, Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 16(12):1424-29), ApoA-I_(M)(Franceschini et al., 1985, J. Biol. Chem. 260:1632-35), ApoA-I_(P)(Daum et al., 1999, J. Mol. Med. 77:614-22), ApoA-II (Shelness et al.,1985, J. Biol. Chem. 260(14):8637-46; Shelness et al., 1984, J. Biol.Chem. 259(15):9929-35), ApoA-IV (Duverger et al., 1991, Euro. J.Biochem. 201(2):373-83), ApoE (McLean et al., 1983, J. Biol. Chem.258(14):8993-9000), ApoJ and ApoH may be used. The apolipoproteins mayinclude residues corresponding to elements that facilitate theirisolation, such as His tags, or other elements designed for otherpurposes, so long as the apolipoprotein retains some biological activitywhen included in a complex.

Such apolipoproteins can be purified from animal sources (and inparticular from human sources) or produced recombinantly as iswell-known in the art, see, e.g., Chung et al., 1980, J. Lipid Res.21(3):284-91; Cheung et al., 1987, J. Lipid Res. 28(8):913-29. See alsoU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,059,528, 5,128,318, 6,617,134, and U.S. PublicationNos. 20002/0156007, 2004/0067873, 2004/0077541, and 2004/0266660.

Non-limiting examples of peptides and peptide analogs that correspond toapolipoproteins, as well as agonists that mimic the activity of ApoA-I,ApoA-I_(M), ApoA-II, ApoA-IV, and ApoE, that are suitable for use asapolipoproteins in the charged complexes and compositions describedherein are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,004,925, 6,037,323 and6,046,166 (issued to Dasseux et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,688 (issued toTso), U.S. publications 2004/0266671, 2004/0254120, 2003/0171277 and2003/0045460 (to Fogelman), and U.S. publication 2003/0087819 (toBielicki), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entireties. These peptides and peptide analogues can becomposed of L-amino acid or D-amino acids or mixture of L- and D-aminoacids. They may also include one or more non-peptide or amide linkages,such as one or more well-known peptide/amide isosteres. Such “peptideand/or peptide mimetic” apolipoproteins can be synthesized ormanufactured using any technique for peptide synthesis known in the art,including, e.g., the techniques described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,004,925,6,037,323 and 6,046,166.

The charged complexes may include a single type of apolipoprotein, ormixtures of two or more different apolipoproteins, which may be derivedfrom the same or different species. Although not required, the chargedlipoprotein complexes will preferably comprise apolipoproteins that arederived from, or correspond in amino acid sequence to, the animalspecies being treated, in order to avoid inducing an immune response tothe therapy. The use of peptide mimetic apolipoproteins may also reduceor avoid an immune response.

6.2 Phospholipids

The lipid fraction of the charged complexes and compositions includestwo types of phospholipids: a neutral phospholipid and a chargedphospholipid. As used herein, “neutral phospholipids” are phospholipidsthat have a net charge of about zero at physiological pH. In manyembodiments, neutral phospholipids are zwitterions, although other typesof net neutral phospholipids are known and may be used. The neutralphospholipid comprises one or both of the lecithin and/or SM, and mayoptionally include other neutral phospholipids. In some embodiments, theneutral phospholipid comprises lecithin, but not SM. In otherembodiments, the neutral phospholipid comprises SM, but not lecithin. Instill other embodiments, the neutral phospholipid comprises bothlecithin and SM. All of these specific exemplary embodiments can includeneutral phospholipids in addition to the lecithin and/or SM, but in manyembodiments do not include such additional neutral phospholipids.

The identity of the SM used is not critical for success. Thus, as usedherein, the expression “SM” includes not only sphingomyelins derivedfrom natural sources, but also analogs and derivatives of naturallyoccurring SMs that are impervious to hydrolysis by LCAT, as is naturallyoccurring SM. SM is a phospholipid very similar in structure tolecithin, but, unlike lecithin, it does not have a glycerol backbone,and hence does not have ester linkages attaching the acyl chains.Rather, SM has a ceramide backbone, with amide linkages connecting theacyl chains. SM is not a substrate for LCAT, and generally cannot behydrolyzed by it. It can act, however, as an inhibitor of LCAT or candecrease LCAT activity by diluting the concentration of the substratephospholipid. Because SM is not hydrolyzed, it remains in thecirculation longer. It is expected that this feature will permit chargedlipoprotein complexes that include SM to have a longer duration ofpharmacological effect (mobilization of cholesterol) and to pick up morelipids, in particular cholesterol, than apolipoprotein complexes that donot include SM (see, e.g., the apolipoprotein complexes described in USPublication No. 2004/0067873, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety). This effect may result in lessfrequent or smaller doses being necessary for treatment than arerequired for lipoprotein complexes that do not include SM.

The SM may be derived from virtually any source. For example, the SM maybe obtained from milk, egg or brain. SM analogues or derivatives mayalso be used. Non-limiting examples of useful SM analogues andderivatives include, but are not limited to, palmitoylsphingomyelin,stearoylsphingomyelin, D-erythro-N-16:0-sphingomyelin and its dihydroisomer, D-erythro-N-16:0-dihydro-sphingomyelin.

Sphingomyelins isolated from natural sources may be artificiallyenriched in one particular saturated or unsaturated acyl chain. Forexample, milk sphingomyelin (Avanti Phospholipid, Alabaster, Ala.) ischaracterized by long saturated acyl chains (i.e., acylchains having 20or more carbon atoms). In contrast, egg sphingomyelin is characterizedby short saturated acyl chains (i.e., acyl chains having fewer than 20carbon atoms). For example, whereas only about 20% of milk sphingomyelincomprises C16:0 (16 carbon, saturated) acyl chains, about 80% of eggsphingomyelin comprises C16:0 acyl chains. Using solvent extraction, thecomposition of milk sphingomyelin can be enriched to have an acyl chaincomposition comparable to that of egg sphingomyelin, or vice versa.

The SM may be semi-synthetic such that it has particular acyl chains.For example, milk sphingomyelin can be first purified from milk, thenone particular acyl chain, e.g., the C16:0 acyl chain, can be cleavedand replaced by another acyl chain. The SM can also be entirelysynthesized, by e.g., large-scale synthesis. See, e.g., Dong et al, U.S.Pat. No. 5,220,043, entitled Synthesis of D-erythro-sphingomyelins,issued Jun. 15, 1993; Weis, 1999, Chem. Phys. Lipids 102(1-2):3-12.

The lengths and saturation levels of the acyl chains comprising asemi-synthetic or a synthetic SM can be selectively varied. The acylchains can be saturated or unsaturated, and can contain from about 6 toabout 24 carbon atoms. Each chain may contain the same number of carbonatoms or, alternatively each chain may contain different numbers ofcarbon atoms. In some embodiments, the semi-synthetic or synthetic SMcomprises mixed acyl chains such that one chain is saturated and onechain is unsaturated. In such mixed acyl chain SMs, the chain lengthscan be the same or different. In other embodiments, the acyl chains ofthe semi-synthetic or synthetic SM are either both saturated or bothunsaturated. Again, the chains may contain the same or different numbersof carbon atoms. In some embodiments, both acyl chains comprising thesemi-synthetic or synthetic SM are identical. In a specific embodiment,the chains correspond to the acyl chains of a naturally-occurring fattyacid, such as for example oleic, palmitic or stearic acid. In anotherspecific embodiment, both acyl chains are saturated and contain from 6to 24 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of acyl chains present incommonly occurring fatty acids that can be included in semi-syntheticand synthetic SMs are provided in Table 1, below: TABLE 1 Length:Numberof Unsaturations Common Name 14:0 myristic acid 16:0 palmitic acid 18:0stearic acid 18:1 cisΔ⁹ oleic acid 18:2 cisΔ^(9,12) linoleic acid 18:3cisΔ^(9,12,15) linonenic acid 20:4 cisΔ^(5,8,11,14) arachidonic acid20:5 cisΔ^(5,8,11,14,17) eicosapentaenoic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid)

Like the SM, the identity of the lecithin used is not critical forsuccess. Also, like the SM, the lecithin can be derived or isolated fromnatural sources, or it can be obtained synthetically. Examples ofsuitable lecithins isolated from natural sources include, but are notlimited to, egg phosphatidylcholine and soybean phosphatidylcholine.Additional non-limiting examples of suitable lecithins include,dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine,distearoylphosphatidylcholine1-myristoyl-2-palmitoylphosphatidylcholine,1-palmitoyl-2-myristoylphosphatidylcholine,1-palmitoyl-2-stearoylphosphatidylcholine,1-stearoyl-2-palmitoylphosphatidylcholine,1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine,1-oleoyl-2-palmitylphosphatidylcholine, dioleoylphosphatidylcholine andthe ether derivatives or analogs thereof.

Like the SM, lecithins derived or isolated from natural sources can beenriched to include specified acyl chains. In embodiments employingsemi-synthetic or synthetic lecithins, the identity(ies) of the acylchains can be selectively varied, as discussed above in connection withSM. In some embodiments of the charged complexes described herein, bothacyl chains on the lecithin are identical. In some embodiments ofcharged lipoprotein complexes that include both SM and lecithin, theacyl chains of the SM and lecithin are all identical. In a specificembodiment, the acyl chains correspond to the acyl chains of myristitic,palmitic, oleic or stearic acid.

The lipid fraction also includes a charged phospholipid. As used herein,“charged phospholipids” are phospholipids that have a net charge atphysiological pH. The charged phospholipid may comprise a single type ofcharged phospholipid, or a mixture of two or more different, typicallylike-charged, phospholipids. In some embodiments, the chargedphospholipids are negatively charged glycerophospholipids. Theidentity(ies) of the charged phospholipids(s) are not critical forsuccess. Specific examples of suitable negatively charged phospholipidsinclude, but are not limited to, phosphatidylgycerol,phospatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol andphosphatidic acid. In some embodiments, the negatively chargedphospholipid comprises one or more of phosphatidylinositol,phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol and/or phosphatidic acid.

Like the SM and lecithin, the negatively charged phospholipids can bederived from natural sources or prepared by chemical synthesis. Inembodiments employing synthetic negatively charged phospholipids, theidentities of the acyl chains can be selectively varied, as discussedabove in connection with SM. In some embodiments of the chargedlipoprotein complexes described herein, both acyl chains on thenegatively charged phospholipids are identical. In some embodiments ofthe ternary and quaternary charged lipoprotein complexes describedherein, the acyl chains on the SM, the lecithin and the negativelycharged phospholipids are all identical. In a specific embodiment, thecharged phospholipid(s), and/or SM all have C16:0 or C16:1 acyl chains.In another specific embodiment, the acyl chains of the chargedphospholipid(s), lecithin and/or SM correspond to the acyl chain ofpalmitic acid. In yet another specific embodiment, the acyl chains ofthe charged phospholipid(s), lecithin and/or SM correspond to the acylchain of oleic acid.

The total amount of negatively charged phospholipids(s) comprising thecharged complexes can vary. Typically, the lipid fraction will comprisefrom about 0.2 to 10 wt % negatively charged phospholipids(s). In someembodiments, the lipid fraction comprises about 0.2 to 1 wt %, 02. to 2wt %, 02. to 3 wt %, 0.2 to 4 wt %, 0.2 to 5 wt %, 0.2 to 6 wt %, 0.2 to7 wt %, 0.2 to 8 wt % or 0.2 to 9 wt % total negatively chargedphospholipids(s). In some embodiments, the lipid fraction comprisesabout 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6., 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4,1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8,2.9 or 3.0 wt % total negatively charged phospholipid(s), and/or a rangeincluding any of these values as endpoints. In some embodiments, thelipid fraction comprises from about 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6., 0.7, 0.8,0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2,2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 or 3.0 wt % total negatively chargedphospholipid(s) up to about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 wt % total negativelycharged phospholipid(s).

It is expected that the inclusion of negatively charged phospholipids inthe charged lipoprotein complexes described herein will provide thecomplexes with greater stability (in solution) and longer productshelf-life compared to conventional complexes. In addition, the use ofnegatively charged phospholipids is expected to minimize particleaggregation (e.g., by charge repulsion), thereby effectively increasingthe number of available complexes present in a given dosage regime, andaid the targeting of the complex for recognition by the liver and notthe kidney.

Some apolipoproteins exchange in vivo from one lipoprotein complex toanother (this is true for apolipoprotein ApoA-I). During the course ofsuch exchange, the apolipoprotein typically carries with it one or morephospholipid molecules. Owing to this property, it is expected that thecharged lipoprotein complexes described herein will “seed” negativelycharged phospholipids to endogenous HDL, thereby transforming them intoalpha particles that are more resistant to elimination by the kidneys.Thus, it is expected that administration of the charged lipoproteincomplexes and compositions described herein will increase serum levelsof HDL, and/or alter endogenous HDL half-life as well as endogenous HDLmetabolism. It is expected that this will result in alteration ofcholesterol metabolism and reverse lipid transport.

In addition to the neutral and charged phospholipids(s), the lipidfraction may optionally include additional lipids. Virtually any type oflipids may be used, including, but not limited to, lysophospholipids,galactocerebroside, gangliosides, cerebrosides, glycerides,triglycerides, and cholesterol and its derivatives.

When included, such optional lipids will typically comprise less thanabout 50 wt % of the lipid fraction, although in some instances moreoptional lipids could be included. In some embodiments, the lipidfraction of the charged lipoprotein complexes does not include optionallipids.

As indicated in the Summary section, the total amount of neutralphospholipid(s) comprising the lipid fraction of the charged lipoproteincomplexes can vary, and will typically range from about 50 to 99.8 wt %,depending upon the total amount of charged phospholipid(s) included, andwhether any optional lipids are included. Specific embodiments in whichoptional lipids are not included will typically comprise about 90 to99.8 wt % total neutral phospholipid(s). Suitable lecithin:SM molarratios for lipid fractions including both lecithin and SM are describedin the Summary section.

In a specific embodiment, the charged lipoprotein complex is a ternarycomplex in which the lipid fraction consists essentially of about 90 to99.8 wt % SM and about 0.2 to 10 wt % negatively charged phospholipid,for example, about 0.2-1 wt %, 0.2-2 wt %, 0.2-3 wt %, 0.2-4 wt %, 0.2-5wt %, 0.2-6 wt %, 0.2-7 wt %, 0.2-8 wt %, 0.2-9 wt %, or 0.2-10 wt %total negatively charged phospholipid(s). In another specificembodiment, the charged lipoprotein complex is a ternary complex inwhich the lipid fraction consists essentially of about 90 to 99.8 wt %lecithin and about 0.2 to 10 wt % negatively charged phospholipid, forexample, about 0.2-1 wt %, 0.2-2 wt %, 0.2-3 wt %, 0.2-4 wt %, 0.2-5 wt%, 0.2-6 wt %, 0.2-7 wt %, 0.2-8 wt %, 0.2-9 wt % or 0.2-10 wt % totalnegatively charged phospholipid(s).

In still another specific embodiment, the charged lipoprotein complex isa quaternary complex in which the lipid fraction consists essentially ofabout 9.8 to 90 wt % SM, about 9.8 to 90 wt % lecithin and about 0.2-10wt % negatively charged phospholipid, for example, from about 0.2-1 wt%, 0.2-2 wt %, 0.2-3 wt %, 0.2-4 wt %, 0.2-5 wt %, 0.2-6 wt %, 0.2-7 wt%, 0.2-8 wt %, 0.2-9 wt %, to 0.2-10 wt % total negatively chargedphospholipid(s).

The complexes may also optionally include other proteins, such as, forexample, paraoxonase (PON) or LCAT, antioxidants, cyclodextrins and/orother materials that help trap cholesterol in the core or the surface ofthe complex. The complex can optionally be pegylated (e.g., covered withpolyethylene glycol or other polymer) to increase circulation half-life.

As will be recognized by skilled artisans, the molar ratio of the lipidfraction to the apolipoprotein fraction of the charged lipoproteincomplexes described herein can vary, and will depend upon, among otherfactors, the identity(ies) of the apolipoprotein comprising theapolipoprotein fraction, the identities and quantities of the chargedphospholipids comprising the lipid fraction, and the desired size of thecharged lipoprotein complex. Because the biological activity ofapolipoproteins such as ApoA-I are thought to be mediated by theamphipathic helices comprising the apolipoprotein, it is convenient toexpress the apolipoprotein fraction of the lipid:apolipoprotein molarratio using ApoA-I protein equivalents. It is generally accepted thatApoA-I contains 6-10 amphipathic helices, depending upon the method usedto calculate the helices. Other apolipoproteins can be expressed interms of ApoA-I equivalents based upon the number of amphipathic helicesthey contain. For example, ApoA-I_(M), which typically exists as adisulfide-bridged dimer, can be expressed as 2 ApoA-I equivalents,because each molecule of ApoA-I_(M) contains twice as many amphipathichelices as a molecule of ApoA-I. Conversely, a peptide apolipoproteinthat contains a single amphipathic helix can be expressed as a 1/10-1/6ApoA-I equivalent, because each molecule contains 1/10-1/6 as manyamphipathic helices as a molecule of ApoA-I. In general, thelipid:ApoA-I equivalent molar ratio of the charged lipoprotein complexes(defined herein as “R_(i)”) will range from about 2:1 to 100:1. In someembodiments, the R_(i) is about 50:1. Ratios in weight can be obtainedusing a MW of approximately 650-800 for phospholipids.

The size of the charged lipoprotein complex can be controlled by varyingthe R_(i). That is, the smaller the R_(i), the smaller the disk. Forexample, large discoidal disks will typically have an R_(i) in the rangeof about 200:1 to 100:1, whereas small discoidal disks will typicallyhave an R_(i) in the range of about 100:1 to 30:1.

In some specific embodiments, the charged lipoprotein complexes arelarge discoidal disks that contain 2-4 ApoA-I equivalents (e.g., 2-4molecules of ApoA-I, 1-2 molecules of ApoA-I_(M) dimer or 6-10single-helix peptide molecules), 1 molecule of charged phospholipid and400 molecules of total neutral phospholipid. In other specificembodiments, the charged lipoprotein complexes are small discoidal disksthat contain 2-4 ApoA-I equivalents, 1 molecule of charged phospholipidand 200 molecules of total neutral phospholipids.

The various apolipoprotein and/or phospholipids molecules comprising thecharged lipoprotein complexes may be labeled with any art-knowndetectable marker, including stable isotopes (e.g., ¹³C, ¹⁵N, ²H, etc.);radioactive isotopes (e.g., ¹⁴C, ³H, ¹²⁵I, etc.); fluorophores;chemiluminescers; or enzymatic markers.

6.3 Methods of Making Charged Lipoprotein Complexes

The charged lipoprotein complexes described herein can be prepared in avariety of forms, including, but not limited to vesicles, liposomes,proteoliposomes, micelles, and discoidal particles. A variety of methodswell known to those skilled in the art can be used to prepare thecharged lipoprotein complexes. A number of available techniques forpreparing liposomes or proteoliposomes may be used. For example,apolipoprotein can be co-sonicated (using a bath or probe sonicator)with the appropriate phospholipids to form complexes. Alternatively,apolipoprotein can be combined with preformed lipid vesicles resultingin the spontaneous formation of charged lipoprotein complexes. Thecharged lipoprotein complexes can also be formed by a detergent dialysismethod; e.g., a mixture of apolipoprotein, charged phospholipid(s) SMand/or lecithin and a detergent such as cholate is dialyzed to removethe detergent and reconstituted to form charged lipoprotein complexes(see, e.g., Jonas et al., 1986, Methods in Enzymol. 128:553-82), or byusing an extruder device or by homogenization.

In some embodiments, charged lipoprotein complexes can be prepared bythe cholate dispersion method described in Example 1 of U.S. publication2004/0067873, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference. Briefly, dry lipid is hydrated in NaHCO₃ buffer, thenvortexed and sonicated until all lipid is dispersed. Cholate solution isadded, the mixture is incubated for 30 minutes, with periodic vortexingand sonicating, until it turns clear, indicating that the lipid cholatemicelles are formed. ProApoA-I in NaHCO₃ buffer is added, and thesolution incubated for 1 hour at approximately 37° C.-50° C. The ratioof lipid:proApoA-I in the solution can be from 1:1 to 200:1 (mole/mole),but in some embodiments, the ratio is about 2:1 weight of lipid toweight of protein (wt/wt).

Cholate can be removed by methods well known in the art. For examplecholate can be removed by dialysis, ultrafiltration or by removal ofcholate molecules by adsorption absorption onto an affinity bead orresin. In one embodiment, the affinity beads, e.g., BIO-BEADS® (Bio-RadLaboratories) are added to the preparation of charged lipoproteincomplexes and cholate to adsorb the cholate. In another embodiment, thepreparation, e.g., a micellar preparation of the charged lipoproteincomplexes and cholate, is passed over a column packed with affinitybeads.

In a specific embodiment, cholate is removed from a preparation ofcharged lipoprotein complexes by loading the preparation onto BIO-BEADS®within a syringe. The syringe is then sealed with barrier film andincubated with rocking at 4° C. overnight. Before use, the cholate isremove by injecting the solution through BIO-BEADS®, where it isadsorbed by the beads.

The charged lipoprotein complexes are expected to have an increasedhalf-life in the circulation when the complexes have a similar size anddensity to HDL, especially to the HDLs in the pre-beta-1 or pre-beta-2HDL populations. Stable preparations having a long shelf life may bemade by lyophilization. For example, the co-lyophilization proceduredescribed below provides a stable formulation and ease offormulation/particle preparation process. Co-lyophilization methods arealso described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,590 (entitled Peptide/lipidcomplex formation by co-lyophilization, by Dasseux, issued Sep. 11,2001), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thelyophilized charged lipoprotein complexes can be used to prepare bulksupplies for pharmaceutical reformulation, or to prepare individualaliquots or dosage units that can be reconstituted by rehydration withsterile water or an appropriate buffered solution prior toadministration to a subject.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,004,925, 6,037,323, 6,046,166 and 6,287,590(incorporated herein by reference in their entireties) disclose a simplemethod for preparing charged lipoprotein complexes that havecharacteristics similar to HDL. This method, which involvesco-lyophilization of apolipoprotein and lipid solutions in organicsolvent (or solvent mixtures) and formation of charged lipoproteincomplexes during hydration of the lyophilized powder, has the followingadvantages: (1) the method requires very few steps; (2) the method usesinexpensive solvent(s); (3) most or all of the included ingredients areused to form the designed complexes, thus avoiding waste of startingmaterial that is common to the other methods; (4) lyophilized complexesare formed that are very stable during storage such that the resultingcomplexes may be reconstituted immediately before use; (5) the resultingcomplexes usually need not be further purified after formation andbefore use; (6) toxic compounds, including detergents such as cholate,are avoided; and (7) the production method can be easily scaled up andis suitable for GMP manufacture (i.e., in an endotoxin-freeenvironment).

In some embodiments, co-lyophilization methods commonly known in the artare used to prepare charged lipoprotein complexes. Briefly, theco-lyophilization steps include solubilizing the apolipoprotein (“Apo”)and phospholipids together in an organic solvent or solvent mixture, orsolubilizing the Apo and phospholipids separately and mixing themtogether. The desirable characteristics of solvent or solvent mixtureare: (i) a medium relative polarity to be able to dissolve hydrophobiclipids and amphipatic protein, (ii) solvents should be class 2 or 3solvent according to FDA solvent guidelines (Federal Register, volume62, No. 247) to avoid potential toxicity associated with the residualorganic solvent, (iii) low boiling point to assure ease of solventremoval during lyophilization, (iv) high melting point to provide forfaster freezing, higher temperatures of condenser and, hence less wareof freeze-dryer. In a preferred embodiment, glacial acetic acid is used.Combinations of e.g., methanol, glacial acetic acid, xylene, orcyclohexane may also be used.

The Apo/lipid solution is then lyophilized to obtain homogeneousApo/lipid powder. The lyophilization conditions can be optimized toobtain fast evaporation of solvent with minimal amount of residualsolvent in the lyophilized Apo/lipid powder. The selection offreeze-drying conditions can be determined by the skilled artisan, anddepends on the nature or solvent, type and dimensions of the receptacle,e.g., vial, holding solution, fill volume, and characteristics offreeze-dryer used. The concentration of lipid/Apo solution prior to thelyophilization, for organic solvent removal and successful formation ofcomplexes, can range from 10 to 50 mg/ml concentration of ApoA-Iequivalent and from 20 to 100 mg/ml concentrations of lipid.

The Apo-lipid complexes form spontaneously after hydration of Apo-lipidlyophilized powder with an aqueous media of appropriate pH andosmolality. In some embodiments, the media may also contain stabilizerssuch as sucrose, trehalose, glycerin and others. In some embodiments,the solution must be heated several times above transition temperaturefor lipids for complexes to form. The molar ratio of lipid to proteinfor successful formation of charged lipoprotein complexes can be from2:1 to 200:1 (expressed in ApoA-I equivalents) and is preferably about2:1 weight of lipid to weight of protein (wt/wt). Powder is hydrated toobtain final complex concentration of about 5-30 mg/ml expressed, inApoA-I protein equivalents.

In some embodiments, Apo powder is obtained by freeze-drying Aposolution in NH₄CO₃ aqueous solution. A homogeneous solution of Apo andlipids is formed by dissolving their powders and Apo in glacial aceticacid. The solution is then lyophilized, and HDL-like charged lipoproteincomplexes are formed by hydration of lyophilized powder with aqueousmedia.

In some embodiments, homogenization is used to prepare Apo-lipidcomplexes. This method may be used to prepare Apo soybean-PC complexesand is routinely used for formulation of ApoA-I_(M)-POPC complexes.Homogenization can be easily adapted for formation of chargedlipoprotein complexes. Briefly, this method comprises forming asuspension of lipids in aqueous solution of Apo by Ultraturex™, andhomogenization of formed lipid-protein suspension using high-pressurehomogenizer until suspension becomes clear-opalescent solution andcomplexes are formed. Elevated temperatures above lipid transition areused during homogenization. Solution is homogenized for extended periodof time 1-14 hours and elevated pressure.

In some embodiments, charged lipoprotein complexes can be formed byco-lyophilization of phospholipid with peptide or protein solutions orsuspensions. The homogeneous solution of peptide/protein, chargedphospholipids, SM and/or lecithin (plus any other phospholipid ofchoice) in an organic solvent or organic solvent mixture can belyophilized, and charged lipoprotein complexes can be formedspontaneously by hydration of the lyophilized powder with an aqueousbuffer. Examples of organic solvents or their mixtures are include, butare not limited to, acetic acid, acetic acid and xylene, acetic acid andcyclohexane, and methanol and xylene.

A suitable proportion of protein (peptide) to lipid can be determinedempirically so that the resulting complexes possess the appropriatephysical and chemical properties; i.e., usually (but not necessarily)similar in size to HDL. The resulting mixture of Apo and lipid insolvent is frozen and lyophilized to dryness. Sometimes an additionalsolvent must be added to the mixture to facilitate lyophilization. It isexpected that this lyophilized product will be able to be stored forlong periods and will remain stable.

The lyophilized product can be reconstituted in order to obtain asolution or suspension of the charged lipoprotein complex. To this end,the lyophilized powder is rehydrated with an aqueous solution to asuitable volume (typically 5-20 mg charged lipoprotein complex/ml) whichis convenient for e.g., intravenous injection. In a preferred embodimentthe lyophilized powder is rehydrated with phosphate buffered saline,saline bicarbonate, or a physiological saline solution. The mixture maybe agitated or vortexed to facilitate rehydration. In general, thereconstitution step should be conducted at a temperature equal to orgreater than the phase transition temperature of the lipid component ofthe complexes. Within minutes of reconstitution, a clear preparation ofreconstituted charged lipoprotein complexes should result.

Other methods include spray-drying, where solutions are sprayed andsolvent evaporated (either at elevated temperatures or at reducedpressure). Lipids and apolipoproteins could be solubilized in the samesolvent or in different solvents. Powder filling can then be used tofill vials.

Lyophilized powder from apolipoproteins and lipids could also be mixedmechanically. Homogeneous powder containing the apoplipoprotein andlipids could then be hydrated to form spontaneously complexes of theappropriate size and the appropriate lipid:apolipoprotein molar ratio.

An aliquot of the resulting reconstituted preparation can becharacterized to confirm that the complexes in the preparation have thedesired size distribution; e.g., the size distribution of HDL.Characterization of the reconstituted preparation can be performed usingany method known in the art, including, but not limited to, sizeexclusion filtration, gel filtration, column filtration, gel permeationchromatography, and non-denaturating gel electrophoresis.

For example, after hydration of lyophilized charged lipoprotein powderor at the end of homogenization or cholate dialysis formed Apo-lipidHDL-like particles are characterized with respect to their size,concentration, final pH and osmolality of resulting solution, in someinstances, integrity of lipid and/or apolipoprotein are characterized.The size of the resulting charged lipoprotein particles is determinativeof their efficacy, therefore this measurement is typically included forcharacterization of the particles.

In some embodiments, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), e.g., a highpressure liquid chromatography system equipped with a 1×30 cm Superdex™column (Pharmacia Biotech) and UV-detector may be used. Complexes areeluted with bicarbonate buffered saline comprised of 140 mM NaCl and 20mM sodium bicarbonate delivered with 0.5 ml/min flow rate. A typicalamount of complex injected is 0.1 to 1 mg based on protein weight. Thecomplexes can be monitored by absorbance at 280 nm.

Protein and lipid concentration of charged lipoprotein particlessolution can be measured by any method known in the art, including, butnot limited to, protein and phospholipid assays as well as bychromatographic methods such as HPLC, gel filtration chromatography, GCcoupled with various detectors including mass spectrometry, UV ordiode-assay, fluorescent, elastic light scattering and others. Theintegrity of lipid and proteins can be also determined by the samechromatographic techniques as well as peptide mapping, SDS-page gel, N-and C-terminal sequencing for proteins and standard assays to determinelipid oxidation for lipids.

The homogeneity and/or stability of the charged lipoprotein complexes orcomposition described herein can be measured by any method known in theart, including, but not limited to, chromatographic methods such as gelfiltration chromatography. For example, in some embodiments a singlepeak or a limited number of peaks can be associated with a stablecomplex. The stability of the complexes can be determined by monitoringthe appearance of new of peaks over time. The appearance of new peaks isa sign of reorganization among the complexes due to the instability ofthe particles.

The optimum ratio of phospholipids to apolipoprotein(s) in the chargedcomplexes can be determined using any number of functional assays knownin the art, including, but not limited to, gel electrophoresis mobilityassay, size exclusion chromatography, interaction with HDL receptors,recognition by ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1), uptake by theliver, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics. For example, gelelectrophoresis mobility assays can be used to determine the optimumratio of phospholipids to apolipoproteins in the charged complexes. Thecharged complexes described herein should exhibit an electrophoreticmobility that is similar to natural pre-beta-HDL or alpha-HDL particles.Thus, in some embodiments, natural pre-beta-HDL or alpha-HDL particlescan be used as standard for determining the mobility of the chargedcomplexes.

As another example, size exclusion chromatography can be used todetermine the size of the charged complexes described herein as comparedto natural pre-beta-HDL particles. Natural pre-beta-HDL particlesgenerally are not larger than 10-12 nm, and discoidal particles areusually around 7-10 nm.

As another example, HDL receptors can be used in a functional assay toidentify which complex is closest to natural pre-beta-HDL particles, orto identify which complex is the most effective in removing and/ormobilizing cholesterol or lipids from a cell. In one assay, thecomplexes can be tested for their ability to bind ABCA-1 receptors. Suchan assay can differentiate ABCA-1 dependent on independent removal ofcholesterol. Even though ApoA-I is considered the best ligands for suchan assay, complexes such as small micellar or small discoidal particlesare also potent ABCA-I ligands. ABCA-1 binding assays that can be usedare described in Brewer et al., 2004, Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol.24:1755-1760).

As another example, ABCA1 expressing cells are known to recognize freeApoA-1 and to a lesser extent, natural pre-beta-HDL particles (Brewer etal., 2004, Arteriosclar. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 24:1755-1760. In theseembodiments, recognition of ABCA1 cells of natural pre-beta-HDLparticles can be compared to any one of the charged complexes describedherein to identify the complex that most closely resembles naturalpre-beta-HDL particles.

A relatively simple approach for identifying charged complexes that mostclosely resemble natural pre-beta-HDL particles is to perfuse liverswith a solution containing the reconstituted charged complexes andmeasure the amount that is taken up by the liver.

In some embodiments, the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) ofthe charged complexes can be measured following a single injection inrabbits. In these embodiments, the concentration of ApoA-1 is used as amarker of the kinetics. The pharmacodynamics can be measured as theamount of cholesterol mobilized above baseline after a single injection,as well s the amount of cholesterol in the HDL fraction. PK and PDdepend on the nature of the phospholipids, the composition of thephospholipids, the lipid:apolipoprotein molar ratio and the phospholipidconcentration of the complex. For example,dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC)/ApoA-1 complexes have a longerhalf-live than egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC)/ApoA-I complexes.Sphingomyelin/ApoA-1 complexes have a longer half-life than EPC/ApoA-1complexes. The half-life of human ApoA-1 in humans is approximately 5 to6 days.

In another embodiment, the pharmacodynamics of the charged complex canbe measured by following the rate of cholesterol esterification in theHDL fraction over time. LCAT is the only enzyme responsible forcholesterol esterification in blood. The rate of cholesterolesterification is a good parameter to access the quality of a particle.The LCAT acting as a molecular probe, the rate of esterification will behigher if the quaternary complex is recognized by the LCAT. This meansthat the surface is ideal, the charge is ideal, the morphology is idealand the two substrates (LCAT first hydrolyze an acyl chain from aphospholipids (esterase activity) and then esterify the free OH from thecholesterol (esterase activity) to form a cholesteryl ester) areaccessible and in the right concentrations. Also, it means that theparticle is well dimensioned and composed to solubilize and trap theproducts of the reaction: the lysophospholipid and the cholesteryl esterotherwise the reaction would stop.

6.4 Pharmaceutical Compositions

The pharmaceutical compositions contemplated by the disclosure comprisecharged lipoprotein complexes as the active ingredient in apharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for administration anddelivery in vivo. Since peptides may comprise acidic and/or basictermini and/or side chains, peptide mimetic apolipoproteins can beincluded in the compositions in either the form of free acids or bases,or in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Modified proteinssuch as amidated, acylated, acetylated or pegylated proteins, may alsobe used.

Injectable compositions include sterile suspensions, solutions oremulsions of the active ingredient in aqueous or oily vehicles. Thecompositions can also comprise formulating agents, such as suspending,stabilizing and/or dispersing agent. The compositions for injection canbe presented in unit dosage form, e.g., in ampules or in multidosecontainers, and can comprise added preservatives. For infusion, acomposition can be supplied in an infusion bag made of materialcompatible with charged lipoprotein complexes, such as ethylene vinylacetate or any other compatible material known in the art.

Alternatively, the injectable compositions can be provided in powderform for reconstitution with a suitable vehicle, including but notlimited to, sterile pyrogen free water, buffer, dextrose solution, etc.,before use. To this end, Apo can be lyophilized, or co-lyophilizedcharged lipoprotein complexes may be prepared. The stored compositionscan be supplied in unit dosage forms and reconstituted prior to use invivo.

For prolonged delivery, the active ingredient can be formulated as adepot composition, for administration by implantation; e.g.,subcutaneous, intradermal, or intramuscular injection. Thus, forexample, Apo-lipid complex or Apolipoprotein alone may be formulatedwith suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (e.g., as an emulsionin an acceptable oil) or in phospholipid foam or ion exchange resins.

Alternatively, transdermal delivery systems manufactured as an adhesivedisc or patch that slowly releases the active ingredient forpercutaneous absorption can be used. To this end, permeation enhancerscan be used to facilitate transdermal penetration of the activeingredient. A particular benefit can be achieved by incorporating thecharged complexes described herein into a nitroglycerin patch for use inpatients with ischemic heart disease and hypercholesterolemia.

Alternatively, the delivery could be done locally or intramurally(within the vessel wall) using a catheter or perfusor (see, e.g., U.S.publication 2003/0109442).

The compositions can, if desired, be presented in a pack or dispenserdevice that may comprise one or more unit dosage forms comprising theactive ingredient. The pack can for example comprise metal or plasticfoil, such as a blister pack. The pack or dispenser device can beaccompanied by instructions for administration.

6.5 Methods of Treatment

The charged lipoprotein complexes and compositions described herein canbe used for virtually every purpose lipoprotein complexes have beenshown to be useful. In a specific embodiment, the complexes andcompositions can be used to treat or prevent dyslipidemia and/orvirtually any disease, condition and/or disorder associated withdyslipidemia. As used herein, the terms “dyslipidemia” or “dyslipidemic”refer to an abnormally elevated or decreased level of lipid in the bloodplasma, including, but not limited to, the altered level of lipidassociated with the following conditions: coronary heart disease;coronary artery disease; cardiovascular disease, hypertension,restenosis, vascular or perivascular diseases; dyslipidemic disorders;dyslipoproteinemia; high levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol;high levels of very low density lipoprotein cholesterol; low levels ofhigh density lipoproteins; high levels of lipoprotein Lp(a) cholesterol;high levels of apolipoprotein B; atherosclerosis (including treatmentand prevention of atherosclerosis); hyperlipidemia;hypercholesterolemia; familial hypercholesterolemia (FH); familialcombined hyperlipidemia (FCH); lipoprotein lipase deficiencies, such ashypertriglyceridemia, hypoalphalipoproteinemia, andhypercholesterolemialipoprotein.

Diseases associated with dyslipidemia include, but are not limited tocoronary heart disease, coronary artery disease, acute coronarysyndrome, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, restenosis, vascular orperivascular diseases; dyslipidemic disorders; dyslipoproteinemia; highlevels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol; high levels of very lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol; low levels of high densitylipoproteins; high levels of lipoprotein Lp(a) cholesterol; high levelsof apolipoprotein B; atherosclerosis (including treatment and preventionof atherosclerosis); hyperlipidemia; hypercholesterolemia; familialhypercholesterolemia (FH); familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH);lipoprotein lipase deficiencies, such as hypertriglyceridemia,hypoalphalipoproteinemia, and hypercholesterolemialipoprotein.

Using the charged lipoprotein complexes and compositions describedherein, a dosage of phospholipids that ranges from about 2- to 25-foldless (in ApoA-I equivalents) than the effective dosage currently knownin the art is expected to be efficacious in treating or preventing thedisease or in bringing about an ameliorative effect.

In one embodiment, the methods encompass a method of treating orpreventing a disease associated with dyslipidemia, comprisingadministering to a subject a charged lipoprotein complex or compositiondescribed herein in an amount effective to achieve a serum level of freeor complexed apolipoprotein for at least one day followingadministration that is in the range of about 10 mg/dL to 300 mg/dLhigher than a baseline (initial) level prior to administration.

In another embodiment, the methods encompass a method of treating orpreventing a disease associated with dyslipidemia, comprisingadministering to a subject a charged lipoprotein complex or compositiondescribed herein in an amount effective to achieve a circulating plasmaconcentrations of a HDL-cholesterol fraction for at least one dayfollowing administration that is at least about 10% higher than aninitial HDL-cholesterol fraction prior to administration.

In another embodiment, the methods encompass a method of treating orpreventing a disease associated with dyslipidemia, comprisingadministering to a subject a charged lipoprotein complex or compositiondescribed herein in an amount effective to achieve a circulating plasmaconcentration of a HDL-cholesterol fraction that is between 30 and 300mg/dL between 5 minutes and 1 day after administration.

In another embodiment, the methods encompass a method of treating orpreventing a disease associated with dyslipidemia, comprisingadministering to a subject a charged lipoprotein complex or compositiondescribed herein in an amount effective to achieve a circulating plasmaconcentration of cholesteryl esters that is between 30 and 300 mg/dLbetween 5 minutes and 1 day after administration.

In still another embodiment, the methods encompasses a method attreating or protecting a disease associated with dyslipidemia,comprising administering to a subject a charged lipoprotein complex orcomposition described herein in an amount effective to achieve anincrease in fecal cholesterol excretion for at least one day followingadministration that is at least about 10% above a baseline (initial)level prior to administration.

The charged lipoprotein complexes or compositions described herein canbe used alone or in combination therapy with other drugs used to treator prevent the foregoing conditions. Such-therapies include, but are notlimited to simultaneous or sequential administration of the drugsinvolved. For example, in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia oratherosclerosis, charged lipoprotein formulations can be administeredwith any one or more of the cholesterol lowering therapies currently inuse; e.g., bile-acid resins, niacin, statins, inhibitors of cholesterolabsorption and/or fibrates. Such a combined regimen may produceparticularly beneficial therapeutic effects since each drug acts on adifferent target in cholesterol synthesis and transport; i.e., bile-acidresins affect cholesterol recycling, the chylomicron and LDL population;niacin primarily affects the VLDL and LDL population; the statinsinhibit cholesterol synthesis, decreasing the LDL population (andperhaps increasing LDL receptor expression); whereas the chargedlipoprotein complexes described herein affect RCT, increase HDL, andpromote cholesterol efflux.

In another embodiment, the charged lipoprotein complexes or compositionsdescribed herein may be used in conjunction with fibrates to treat orprevent coronary heart disease; coronary artery disease; cardiovasculardisease, hypertension, restenosis, vascular or perivascular diseases;dyslipidemic disorders; dyslipoproteinemia; high levels of low densitylipoprotein cholesterol; high levels of very low density lipoproteincholesterol; low levels of high density lipoproteins; high levels oflipoprotein Lp(a) cholesterol; high levels of apolipoprotein B;atherosclerosis (including treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis);hyperlipidemia; hypercholesterolemia; familial hypercholesterolemia(FH); familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH); lipoprotein lipasedeficiencies, such as hypertriglyceridemia, hypoalphalipoproteinemia,and hypercholesterolemialipoprotein. Exemplary formulations andtreatment regimens are described below.

The charged lipoprotein complexes or compositions described herein canbe administered by any suitable route that ensures bioavailability inthe circulation. An important feature embodiments including SM is thatthe charged lipoprotein complexes can be administered in doses less than1-10% of the effective dose expected to effective, for apolipoprotein(Apo) or Apo peptide administered alone, and in doses 2-25 fold lessthan the effective dose required for Apo-soybean PC (or Apo-egg PC orApo-POPC) administration. Administration at doses (for intravenousinjection) as low as about 40 mg to 2 g/person of apolipoprotein every 2to 10 days is required, rather than the large amounts of apolipoprotein(20 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg per administration every 2 to 5 days, 1.4 g to 8g per average sized human) required by currently available treatmentregimens.

The charged lipoprotein complexes or compositions described herein canbe administered in dosages that increase the small HDL fraction, forexample, the pre-beta, pre-gamma and pre-beta-like HDL fraction, thealpha HDL fraction, the HDL3 and/or the HDL2 fraction. In someembodiments, the dosages are effective to achieve atherosclerotic plaquereduction as measured by, for example, imaging techniques such asmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).Parameters to follow by IVUS include, but are not limited to, change inpercent atheroma volume from baseline and change in total atheromavolume. parameters to follow by MRI include, but are not limited to,those for IVUS and lipid composition and calcification of the plaque.

The plaque regression could be measured using the patent as its owncontrol (time zero versus time t at the end of the last infusion, orwithin weeks after the last infusion, or within 3 months, 6 months, or 1year after the start of therapy.

Administration can best be achieved by parenteral routes ofadministration, including intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM),intradermal, subcutaneous (SC), and intraperitoneal (IP) injections. Incertain embodiments, administration is by a perfusor, an infiltrator ora catheter. In some embodiments, the charged lipoprotein complexes areadministered by injection, by a subcutaneously implantable pump or by adepot preparation, in amounts that achieve a circulating serumconcentration equal to that obtained through parenteral administration.The complexes could also be absorbed in, for example, a stent or otherdevice.

Administration can be achieved through a variety of different treatmentregimens. For example, several intravenous injections can beadministered periodically during a single day, with the cumulative totalvolume of the injections not reaching the daily toxic dose.Alternatively, one intravenous injection can be administered about every3 to 15 days, preferably about every 5 to 10 days, and most preferablyabout every 10 days. In yet another alternative, an escalating dose canbe administered, starting with about 1 to 5 doses at a dose between(50-200 mg) per administration, then followed by repeated doses ofbetween 200 mg and 1 g per administration. Depending on the needs of thepatient, administration can be by slow infusion with a duration of morethan one hour, by rapid infusion of one hour or less, or by a singlebolus injection.

In some embodiments, administration could be done as a service ofinjections and then stopped for 6 months to 1 year, and then anotherseries started. Maintenance series of injections could then beadministered every year or every 3 to 5 years. The series of injectionscould be done over a day (perfusion to maintain a specified plasma levelof complexes), several days (e.g., four injections over a period ofeight days) or several weeks (e.g., four injections over a period offour weeks), and then restarted after six months to a year.

Other routes of administration can be used. For example, absorptionthrough the gastrointestinal tract can be accomplished by oral routes ofadministration (including but not limited to ingestion, buccal andsublingual routes) provided appropriate formulations (e.g., entericcoatings) are used to avoid or minimize degradation of the activeingredient, e.g., in the harsh environments of the oral mucosa, stomachand/or small intestine. Alternatively, administration via mucosal tissuesuch as vaginal and rectal modes of administration may be utilized toavoid or minimize degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. In otherembodiments, the formulations of the invention can be administeredtranscutaneously (e.g., transdermally), or by inhalation. It will beappreciated that the preferred route may vary with the condition, ageand compliance of the recipient.

The actual dose of a charged lipoprotein complex or compositiondescribed herein can vary with the route of administration.

Data obtained in animal model systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,004,925, 6,037,323 and 6,046,166 (issued to Dasseux et al.,incorporated herein by reference in their entireties) show that ApoA-Ipeptides associate with the HDL component, and have a projectedhalf-life in humans of about five days. Thus, in some embodiment,charged lipoprotein complexes can be administered by intravenousinjection at a dose between about 0.1 g-1 g of charged lipoproteincomplex per administration every 2 to 10 days per average sized human.

Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the various charged lipoproteincomplexes can be determined using standard pharmaceutical procedures incell culture or experimental animals for determining the LD50 (the doselethal to 50% of the population) and the ED50 (the dose therapeuticallyeffective in 50% of the population). The dose ratio between toxic andtherapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and it can be expressed asthe ratio LD50/ED50. Charged lipoprotein complexes that exhibit largetherapeutic indices are preferred. Non-limiting examples of parametersthat can be followed include liver function transaminases (no more than2× normal baseline levels). This is an indication that too muchcholesterol is brought to the liver and cannot assimilate such anamount. The effect on red blood cells could also be monitored, asmobilization of cholesterol from red blood cells causes them to becomefragile, or affect their shape.

Patients can be treated from a few days to several weeks before amedical act (e.g., preventive treatment), or during or after a medicalact. Administration can be concomitant to or contemporaneous withanother invasive therapy, such as, angioplasty, carotid ablation,rotoblader or organ transplant (e.g., heart, kidney, liver, etc.).

In certain embodiments, charged lipoprotein complexes are administeredto a patient whose cholesterol synthesis is controlled by a statin or acholesterol synthesis inhibitor. In other embodiments, chargedlipoprotein complexes are administered to a patient undergoing treatmentwith a binding resin, e.g., a semi-synthetic resin such ascholestyramine, or with a fiber, e.g., plant fiber, to trap bile saltsand cholesterol, to increase bile acid excretion and lower bloodcholesterol concentrations.

6.6 Other Uses

The charged lipoprotein complexes and compositions described herein canbe used in assays in vitro to measure serum HDL, e.g., for diagnosticpurposes. Because ApoA-I, ApoA-II and Apo peptides associate with theHDL component of serum, charged lipoprotein complexes can be used as“markers” for the HDL population, and the pre-beta1 and pre-beta2 HDLpopulations. Moreover, the charged lipoprotein complexes can be used asmarkers for the subpopulation of HDL that are effective in RCT. To thisend, charged lipoprotein complexes can be added to or mixed with apatient serum sample; after an appropriate incubation time, the HDLcomponent can be assayed by detecting the incorporated chargedlipoprotein complexes. This can be accomplished using labeled chargedlipoprotein complexes (e.g., radiolabels, fluorescent labels, enzymelabels, dyes, etc.), or by immunoassays using antibodies (or antibodyfragments) specific for charged lipoprotein complexes.

Alternatively, labeled charged lipoprotein complexes can be used inimaging procedures (e.g., CAT scans, MRI scans) to visualize thecirculatory system, or to monitor RCT, or to visualize accumulation ofHDL at fatty streaks, atherosclerotic lesions, and the like, where theHDL should be active in cholesterol efflux

Examples and data associated with the preparation and characterizationof certain proApoA-1 lipid complexes are described in U.S. PatentPublication No. 2004/0067873, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

Data obtained in an animal model system using certain proApoA-1 lipidcomplexes are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0067873, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

7. EXAMPLES Example 1 Preparation of proApoA-I, Sphingomyelin, andPhosphatidylglycerol

The protein proApoA-I was supplied by Unite de Biotechnologie, InstitutMeurice, Hte Ecole Lucia De Brouckere, 1 Avenue Emile Gryzon, B-1070Anderlecht, Belgium in lyophilized individual 100 mL flasks containingapproximately 90 mg of protein. The batch number was 20060202. Theprotein was kept at approximately 4° C. until use. Beforelyophylization, the content of proApoA-I was 3.225 mg/mL with an ureacontent about 0.011 mg/mL. A solution of proApoA-I was made bydissolving approximately 630 mg of proApoA-I in 25.6 mL of aceticacid/water 5%. The final concentration of the solution was 25 mg/mL.

Sphingomyelin from egg (Coatsome® NM-10) was supplied by NOFCorporation, 1-56, Oohama-Cho, Amagasaki-Shi, 660-0095, Japan. The batchnumber was 0502ES1. Sphingomyelin was kept at approximately −20° C.until use. The purity of sphingomyelin was 99.1%. A solution ofsphingomyelin was made by dissolving 799.4 mg of purified sphingomyelinin 16 mL of acetic acid/water 5% to yield a final concentration of 50mg/mL.

1,2-dipalmitoyl-SN-glycero-3-phopsphatidyl glycerol as sodium salt(DPPG-Na, Coatsome® MG-6060LS) was supplied by NOF Corporation, 1-56,Oohama-Cho, Amagasaki-Shi, 660-0095, Japan. The batch number was0309651L. DPPG-Na was kept at approximately −20° C. until use. Thepurity of DPPG-Na was 99.2%. A solution of DPPG-Na was made bydissolving 49.1 mg of DPPG-Na in 1 mL acetic acid/water 5% to yield afinal concentration of 50 mg/mL.

Example 2 Preparation of Control Uncharged Lipoprotein Complexes

Control uncharged lipoprotein complexes consisting of proApo-AI (33 wt%) and sphingomyelin (67 wt %) were prepared as described below.

Formulations of control uncharged lipoprotein complexes were prepared bymixing 5.6 mL of proApoA-I at 25 mg/mL with approximately 5.6 mL ofsphingomyelin at 50 mg/mL in 100 mL glass flask(s). The resultingmixture was filtered through a 0.22 μm nylon filter. The mixture washeated at approximately 50° C. and then frozen in liquid nitrogen undermanual agitation. Immediately after freezing, the flasks were placed ina lyophilizer for 15 hours. After lyophilization, the flasks were placedunder vacuum at approximately 40° C. for 4 hours. The resultingformulations were stored at approximately 4° C. until use.

Fourteen mL of a solution containing 140 mM NaCl and 20 mM NaHCO₃ wasadded to a glass flask containing a lyophilized formulation of a controluncharged lipoprotein complex. The resulting solution was adjusted to abasic pH by adding 0.75 mL 1M NaOH in 20 mL of solution. The solutionwas agitated manually, heated at approximately 50° C., and then placedin an ultrasonic bath for at least one hour. The concentration ofproApoA-I in the resulting formulation was 10 mg/mL. The formulation(s)was injected into a HPLC system to check for the presence of unchargedlipoprotein complexes. FIG. 1 provides an example of a HPLC chromatogramfor an uncharged lipoprotein complex made as described herein.

Example 3 Preparation of Test Charged Lipoprotein Complexes

Charged lipoprotein complexes consisting of proApoAI (33 wt %),sphingomyelin (65 wt %) and phosphatidylglycerol (2 wt %) were preparedas described below.

Formulations of charged lipoprotein complexes were prepared by mixing5.6 mL of proApoA-I at 25 mg/mL with approximately 5.6 mL ofsphingomyelin at 50 mg/mL, and approximately 0.15 mL of DPPG-NA at 50mg/mL in a 100 mL glass flask(s) and then filtering the resultingmixture through a 0.22 μm nylon filter. The mixture was heated atapproximately 50° C. and frozen in liquid nitrogen under manualagitation. Immediately after freezing, the flasks were placed in alyophilizer for 15 hours. After lyophilization, the flasks were placedunder vacuum at approximately 40° C. for 4 hours. The resultingformulation was stored at approximately 4° C. until use.

Fourteen mL of 140 mM NaCl and 20 mM NaHCO₃ was added to a glass flaskcontaining the lyophilized formulation described above. The resultingsolution was adjusted to a basic pH by adding 0.75 mL 1M NaOH in 20 mLof solution. The solution was agitated manually, heated at approximately50° C., and then placed in an ultrasonic bath for at least one hour. Theconcentration of proApoA-I in the resulting formulation was 10 mg/mL.The formulation(s) was injected into a HPLC system to check for thepresence of uncharged lipoprotein complexes. FIG. 2 provides an exampleof a HPLC chromatogram for a charged lipoprotein complex made asdescribed herein.

Example 4 Animal Model System

New Zealand male rabbits weighing between 3 to 4 kg were used to testcholesterol mobilization by the uncharged and charged complexesdescribed above. The animals were supplied by CEGAV, France andindividually identified with a unique ear tattoo. The rabbits werehoused in the Avogadro (France) animal facilities in individual cages.Animal housing and care complied with the recommendations of Directive86/609/EEC. Animal facilities of Avogadro have the agreement number B 31188 01 obtained from the French Veterinary Authorities. All animals wasmanaged similarly and with due regard for their well-being according toprevailing practices and the current standard operating procedures(SOPs) at Avogadro. The equipment and animal houses were cleaned atappropriate intervals.

The animal room conditions were as follows: temperature: 22±2° C.,relative humidity: 55±15%, and a 12 hour light/12 hour dark cycle. Thetemperature and relative humidity were recorded daily and stored withthe raw data of the study. Each rabbit was observed once daily, anyabnormal findings were recorded as observed, and reported to the StudyDirector.

Animals were acclimatized for at least 7 days before the beginning ofthe study. The animals received ad libitum a controlled pellet diet on adaily basis. Water was available ad libitum throughout the study.

Before administration of the complexes, the animals were fastedovernight. The animals were weighed just before administration of thecomplexes. The complexes were administered intravenously at a dosagerate of 15 mg/kg which corresponds to 1.5 mL/kg. The volume administeredwas based on weight. Feeding was resumed approximately 6 hours after theadministration of the complexes. Treatment details recorded includeddosage calculations, dose administered, date, and time ofadministration.

Prior to the collection of blood samples, the animals were fastedovernight. Blood samples were withdrawn from the jugular vein or fromthe marginal vein of the ear. Blood was withdrawn from the jugular veinusing a syringe mounted with a needle with EDTA (approximately 1 mL ofblood per sampling time). Immediately after collection, blood sampleswere kept at approximately 4° C. to avoid alteration of the bloodsample. Blood specimens were centrifuged (3500 g. for 10 minutes atapproximately 5° C.). Plasma specimens were separated and aliquoted (3aliquots of at least 200 μL (aliquots A, B, C)) and stored atapproximately −80° C. The remaining blood clot was discarded.

Example 5 Charged Lipoprotein Complexes Mobilize Cholesterol

Control lipoprotein complexes (formulation IIA) or charged lipoproteincomplexes (formulation IIB) were prepared as described above andadministered to rabbits (15 mg complex/kg body weight), two rabbits pergroup.

Blood samples (1 ml) were taken at pre-dose, 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 h,2 h, 3 h and 6 h after administration. Plasma samples were analyzed fortotal cholesterol, free cholesterol and triglyceride according topublished methods (see, e.g., Usui, S., et al., 2002, J. Lipid Res.,43:805-14). Esterified cholesterol concentration was calculated bysubtracting the free cholesterol content from the total cholesterolcontent. The free cholesterol in HDL results for each animal areillustrated in FIG. 3. The averaged values for the two animalscomprising the control group (group IIA) and the test group (group IIB)are illustrated in FIG. 4.

As expected, both the control and test lipoprotein complexes mobilizedcholesterol, with the average of the test group showing increasedmobilization as compared to the average of the control group.

All cited references are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individualpublication, patent or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety for all purposes.

The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to thefiling date and should not be construed as an admission that the presentinvention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue ofprior invention.

Many modifications and variations of this invention can be made withoutdeparting from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. The specific embodiments described are offered byway of example only, and the invention is to be limited only by theterms of the appended claims along with the full scope of equivalents towhich such claims are entitled.

1. A reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex comprising anapolipoprotein fraction and a lipid fraction, wherein said lipidfraction comprises a neutral phospholipid and about 0.2 to 3 wt % of acharged phospholipid.
 2. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complexof claim 1 in which the neutral phospholipid comprises lecithin orsphingomyelin.
 3. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim1 in which the neutral phospholipid comprises a mixture of lecithin andsphingomyelin.
 4. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim3 in which the lecithin:sphingomyelin molar ratio is in the range ofabout 100:5 to 5:100.
 5. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complexof claim 1 in which the lipid fraction further comprises an optionallipid.
 6. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 1 inwhich the lipid:apolipoprotein molar ratio ranges from about 2:1 to200:1, where the apolipoprotein value is expressed in ApoA-Iequivalents.
 7. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 6in which the lipid:apolipoprotein molar ratio ranges from about 20:1 to60:1.
 8. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 6 inwhich the lipid:apolipoprotein molar ratio is in the range of about50:1.
 9. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 1 whichcontains about 2-4 ApoA-I equivalents about 1 molecule of chargedphospholipid and about 400 molecules of neutral phospholipid.
 10. Thereconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 1 which containsabout 2-4 equivalents, about 1 molecule of charged phospholipid andabout 200 molecules of neutral phospholipid.
 11. The reconstitutedcharged lipoprotein complex of claim 1 in which the charged phospholipidcomprises phosphatidylinositol.
 12. The reconstituted chargedlipoprotein complex of claim 1 in which the charged phospholipidcomprises phosphatidylserine.
 13. The reconstituted charged lipoproteincomplex of claim 1 in which the charged phospholipid comprisesphosphatidic acid.
 14. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex ofclaim 1 in which the charged phospholipid comprisesphosphatidylglycerol.
 15. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complexof claim 1 in which the charged phospholipid is selected fromphosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol,phosphatidic acid and mixtures thereof.
 16. The reconstituted chargedlipoprotein complex of claim 1 in which the sphingomyelin comprisesD-erythrose-sphingomyelin and/or D-erythrose-dihydrosphingomyelin. 17.The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 1 in which theacyl chains of the neutral and/or charged phospholipids are each,independently of one another, selected from a saturated, amono-unsaturated and a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon containing from 6 to24 carbon atom.
 18. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex ofclaim 17 in which each acyl chain of the neutral and/or chargedphospholipid are the same.
 19. The reconstituted charged lipoproteincomplex of claim 17 in which each acyl chain of the neutral and/orcharged phospholipid is different.
 20. The reconstituted chargedlipoprotein complex of claim 17 in which the acyl chains of the neutraland charged phospholipid contain the same number of carbon atoms. 21.The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 17 in which theacyl chains of the neutral and charged phospholipid have differentdegrees of saturation.
 22. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complexof claim 1 in which the apolipoprotein is selected frompreproapoliprotein, preproApoA-I, proApoA-I, ApoA-I, preproApoA-II,proApoA-II, ApoA-II, preproApoA—IV, proApoA-IV, ApoA-IV, ApoA-V,preproApoE, proApoE, ApoE, preproApoA-I_(Milano), proApoA-I_(Milano),ApoA-I_(Milano), preproApoA-I_(Paris), proApoA-I_(Paris), andApoA-I_(Paris) and mixtures thereof.
 23. The reconstituted chargedlipoprotein complex of claim 22 in which the apolipoprotein comprises ahomodimer and/or heterodimer.
 24. The reconstituted charged lipoproteincomplex of claim 22 in which the apolipoprotein comprises a monomer. 25.The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 1 in which theapolipoprotein comprises an ApoAI peptide mimetic.
 26. A reconstitutedcharged lipoprotein complex comprising an apolipoprotein fraction and alipid fraction, wherein said lipid fraction consists essentially of alecithin, a sphingomyelin and about 1 to 10 wt % of a chargedphospholipid.
 27. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim26 in which said lipid fraction contains about 1 to 4 wt % of thecharged phospholipid.
 28. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complexof claim 26 in which said lipid fraction contains about 1 to 3 wt % ofthe charged phospholipid.
 29. The reconstituted charged lipoproteincomplex of claim 26 in which said lipid fraction contains comprise about1 to 2 wt % of the charged phospholipid.
 30. The reconstituted chargedlipoprotein complex of claim 26 in which the charged phospholipidcomprises phosphatidylinositol.
 31. The reconstituted chargedlipoprotein complex of claim 26 in which the charged phospholipidcomprises phosphatidylserine.
 32. The reconstituted charged lipoproteincomplex of claim 26 in which the charged phospholipid comprisesphosphatidic acid.
 33. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex ofclaim 26 in which the charged phospholipid comprisesphosphatidylglycorol.
 34. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complexof claim 26 in which the charged phospholipid is selected fromphosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acidphosphatidylglyerol and mixtures thereof.
 35. The reconstituted chargedlipoprotein complex of claim 26 in which the lipid:apolipoprotein molarratio ranges from about 2:1 to 200:, where the value for theapolipoprotein is expressed in ApoA-I equivalents.
 36. The reconstitutedcharged lipoprotein complex of claim 35 in which thelipid:apolipoprotein molar ratio is about 50:1.
 37. The reconstitutedcharged lipoprotein complex of claim 26 in which the apolipoprotein isselected from preproapoliprotein, preproApoA-I, proApoA-I, ApoA-I,preproApoA-II, proApoA-II, ApoA-II, preproApoA-IV, proApoA-IV, ApoA-IV,ApoA-V, preproApoE, proApoE, ApoE, preproApoA-I_(Milano),proApoA-I_(Milano), ApoA-I_(Milano), preproApoA-I_(Paris),proApoA-I_(Paris), ApoA-I_(Paris) and mixtures thereof.
 38. Thereconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 37 in which theapolipoprotein is a homodimer and/or a heterodimer.
 39. Thereconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 37 in which theapolipoprotein is a monomer.
 40. The reconstituted charged lipoproteincomplex of claim 26 in which the apolipoprotein comprises an ApoAImimetic.
 41. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 26which consists essentially of 2-4 ApoA-I equivalents, 2 molecules ofcharged phospholipid, 50-80 molecules of lecithin and 20-50 molecules ofSM.
 42. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 41 whichconsists essentially of 2-4 ApoA-I equivalents, 2 molecules of chargedphospholipid, 50 molecules of lecithin and 50 molecules of SM.
 43. Thereconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 41 which consistsessentially of 2-4 ApoA-I equivalents, 2 molecules of chargedphospholipid, 80 molecules of lecithin and 20 molecules of SM.
 44. Thereconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 41 which consistsessentially of 2-4 ApoA-I equivalents, 2 molecules of chargedphospholipid, 70 molecules of lecithin and 30 molecules of SM.
 45. Thereconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 41 which consistsessentially of 2-4 ApoA-I equivalents, 2 molecules of chargedphospholipid, 60 molecules of lecithin and 40 molecules of SM.
 46. Thereconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 41 in which the 2-4ApoA-I equivalents is 2-4 molecules of ApoA-I.
 47. The reconstitutedcharged lipoprotein complex of claim 41 in which the 2-4 ApoA-Iequivalents is 1-2 molecules of an ApoA-I_(M) dimer.
 48. Thereconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 41 in which the 2-4ApoA-I equivalents is 12-40 molecules of a single helix ApoA-I mimeticpeptide.
 49. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 41in which the lecithin is selected from POPC, DPPC and mixtures thereof.50. The reconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 41 in whichthe SM is selected from D-erythrose-sphingomyelin,D-erythrose-dihydrosphingomyelin and mixtures thereof.
 51. Thereconstituted charged lipoprotein complex of claim 41 in which thecharged phospholipid is selected from phosphatidylinositol,phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphitic acid and mixturesthereof.
 52. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a chargedlipoprotein complex according to claim 1 and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier, diluent and/or excipient.
 53. A method of treatingdyslipidemia or a disease associated with dyslipidemia in a subject,comprising administering to the a subject an effective amount of acharged lipoprotein complex according to claim
 1. 54. The method ofclaim 53 in which the amount of charged lipoprotein complex administeredis effective to raise the subject's serum level of free or complexedapolipoprotein by about 10-300 mg/dL as compared to a baseline level.55. The method of claim 53 in which the amount of the chargedlipoprotein complex administered ranges from about 1 to 100 mg/kg ApoA-Iequivalents per injection.
 56. The method of claim 53 in which thecharged lipoprotein complex is administered intravenously.
 57. Themethod of claim 53 which is practiced to treat dyslipidemia.
 58. Themethod of claim 53 which is practiced to treat a disease associated withdyslipidemia.
 59. The method of claim 53 in which the chargedlipoprotein complex is adjunctively administered with a bile-acid resin,niacin, a statin, a fibrate and/or an inhibitor of cholesterolabsorption.
 60. The method of claim 53 in which the charged lipoproteincomplex is administered in the form of a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising the charged complex and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier, diluent and/or excipient.